The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has passed a vote of confidence on the Comrade Grace Ike-led executive during its Monthly Congress held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Union’s Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The Congress, which had over 450 members in attendance, took a serious turn during the “State of the Union/Nation” session when allegations emerged that a former Chairman of the Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, had unlawfully accessed and altered the Union’s verified social media handles. He was accused of changing the names and logo from “NUJ FCT Council” to “Nigeria Media Group.”
A motion condemning the act in the strongest terms was adopted on the floor of the Congress. The Union urged the current executive to refer the matter to the police for investigation under the Cybercrime Act of 2024 (as amended).
The Congress further noted that Comrade Ogbeche had yet to render audited accounts of his tenure and that of his successor, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen (2023–2024). The resolution was contained in a communiqué drafted and signed by Comrade Emmanuel Tortiv (Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee), Comrade Benjamin Edeaghe, and Comrade Odita Sunday.
In addition, Congress deliberated on what it described as coordinated attempts by some disgruntled members, including Comrade Emeka Nze of Blueprint Newspaper and Johnchuks Onuahim, to disrupt the peace of the Council. A member, Comrade Osisam Ede of the Correspondents Chapel, alleged that he was assaulted by Comrade Emeka Nze, who also reportedly threatened a forceful takeover of the Union’s leadership.
While some members called for the suspension of the accused persons, Congress heeded legal advice to follow constitutional procedures. The matter was subsequently referred to the Union’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for investigation and recommendations.
On the performance of the current leadership, members unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Comrade Grace Ike, commending her inclusive leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Union.
The Congress also addressed the planned protest by about 40,000 workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), scheduled to take place from Monday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Members from the affected FCTA and FCDA Chapels were advised to remain law-abiding.
The Union commended the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, (popularly known as “Mr. Projects”), for his achievements and appealed to him to address the workers’ grievances, described him as a friend of the media and a man of the people.
