NUJ national secretariat rebukes Kwara council chairman over alleged constitutional breaches and abuse of office
The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a stern reprimand to the leadership of its Kwara State Council over what it described as grave constitutional violations and abuse of administrative power.
In a letter dated July 25, 2025, and signed by the union’s National Secretary, Mr. Achike Chude, the NUJ headquarters directed the Kwara Council, under the chairmanship of Abdulateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, to reverse several controversial decisions deemed illegal and contrary to the union’s constitution.
The letter was a response to an earlier correspondence from the Kwara Council dated July 1, 2025, which sought approval for actions including the delisting of certain chapels, enforcement of a mandatory 10,000 registration levy, and a redefinition of chapel membership criteria.
However, the national body condemned these moves, stating that they lacked constitutional merit and were implemented without due process. It noted that the decisions had sparked petitions from affected chapels including the Kwara State Information Chapel and Sobi FM Chapel, who alleged high-handedness and disregard for due process.
“The Council is strongly advised to reverse the 10,000 imposed levy on members forthwith as it is a violation of the NUJ constitution,” the letter read, instructing an immediate refund of all monies collected.
The NUJ Secretariat also nullified the suspension of Dare Akogun, a journalist with Sobi FM, stressing that the state council lacked the constitutional authority to discipline members.
“The suspension is null and void. Only the national body can carry out such disciplinary actions,” the statement added.
In a further rebuke, the national leadership criticized the removal of dissenting members from the council’s official WhatsApp platform, stating that such actions undermine press freedom and the values of the journalism profession.
“Journalism thrives on freedom of expression. The NUJ cannot be seen to be stifling dissent,” it said, demanding that those removed be reinstated immediately.
The national secretariat also made it clear that the state council has no authority to delist chapels or redefine their recognition, a function solely reserved for the national body.
This intervention comes amid ongoing legal challenges to the July 2024 re-election of Ahmed as council chairman, with some union members alleging electoral fraud, vote buying, and disenfranchisement.
One of the petitioners, Dare Akogun, had earlier described the election as flawed and in breach of the NUJ’s constitution, a position that continues to fuel tensions within the union’s Kwara chapter.
The national body has now ordered the Kwara Council to comply fully with the NUJ constitution, reverse all unconstitutional policies, and restore unity within the union.
As of press time, the Kwara Council has yet to publicly respond to the directive.
