A group of women journalists in Kano has raised objections regarding the leadership of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Electoral Committee, claiming it is being led by someone who is not a member of the association.
The journalists, who spoke to Kano Times on the condition of anonymity, expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment of Halima A. Musa, a staff member of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), as the head of the Electoral Committee.
The women journalists argued that appointing a non-member to such a position within NAWOJ undermines the association’s integrity and violates recent amendments to the constitution of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“We are deeply concerned that the leadership of the NAWOJ Electoral Committee has been handed to someone who is not a member of the association,” one of the journalists said.
“This move contradicts the essence of our union and raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.”
Another journalist highlighted the recent constitutional changes by the NUJ.
“The NUJ has recently approved amendments to its constitution, which specifically delisted and dissolved the National Orientation Agency and the Local Government Information Chapels from the union. State Councils were directed to ensure full compliance with these provisions,” she stated.
“It is perplexing that despite this directive, we find ourselves in a situation where someone from NOA is leading our electoral process.”
The journalists emphasized that adherence to the NUJ’s constitutional amendments is crucial for maintaining the integrity and independence of NAWOJ.
They called on the leadership of the NUJ at both the state and national levels, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to intervene and ensure that the electoral process within NAWOJ is conducted in accordance with the union’s regulations.
“Our association has always stood for the advancement of women in journalism and the promotion of ethical standards in our profession. Allowing a non-member to oversee our elections contradicts these values,” another journalist concluded.
These concerns come after a petition was addressed to the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The petition, signed by Rukayya Umar, a member of the NAWOJ Kano State Council, outlines irregularities that could compromise the electoral process.
“It has come to our attention that the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee is not an official member of the NUJ or NAWOJ, as the agency where she works, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has constitutionally been removed from the membership of the NUJ,” the petition states.
The petition also accuses some members of the Electoral Committee of favoritism towards certain individuals vying for positions.
“There is a growing concern that some of the members of the Electoral Committee have shown clear favoritism… This bias undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality that are essential for a credible election,” the petition reads.
