The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, on Saturday conducted a bye-election to fill three vacant positions in its executive council, with Sharon Emephia, Daniel Henry Abimiku, and Rosemary Ukoko-Tega emerging victorious.
The election, which was held peacefully with 54 accredited voters, became necessary following the vacant positions left after the main NUJ FCT elections conducted on December 4, 2024.
Sharon Emephia of the Correspondents Chapel was elected Assistant Secretary with 52 votes, while two ballots were declared invalid. Daniel Henry Abimiku from the Information Chapel secured the position of Financial Secretary with 52 votes and two invalid ballots. Rosemary Ukoko-Tega of Aso Radio/TV Chapel was elected Internal Auditor, also with 52 votes and one spoiled ballot.
The results were announced by the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee and Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Bassey Ita Ikpang, who was flanked by other committee members, Mr Tony Akowe and Mrs Nkechi Onyeneke. The trio congratulated the winners and commended union members for their peaceful conduct.
The newly elected officers were immediately sworn in by legal practitioner, Barrister Ehidiamen Isibor, and presented with their certificates of return.
In her post-election remarks, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, commended the electoral committee for organizing a transparent and credible election. She appreciated members for their active participation and officially dissolved the committee, noting that it had successfully completed its mandate.
Comrade Ike charged the new executive members to uphold the union’s core values of ethical journalism, integrity, transparency, and unity. She particularly emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of journalists across the council.
Other current members of the NUJ FCT Executive Council included Vice Chairman, Comrade Ndambabo Yahaya; Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle; Treasurer, Mrs Sandra Udeike; and Ex-Officio, Comrade Ebriku John Friday.
