Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has announced that the Guild will soon intervene in the ongoing crisis within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His comments came in response to calls from veteran journalists, including former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, urging the NGE to step in and help resolve the escalating situation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Anaba revealed that the NGE would immediately consult with the parties involved to better understand the issues at hand. ”
As a responsible organisation, what I immediately did, since the charge was given, was to call the secretary, who told me he was aware of it,” Anaba said.
He added that the NGE would set up a team to investigate the crisis and determine the best course of action to prevent further escalation.
Anaba, who had been unaware of the full extent of the crisis, explained that he initially believed the union’s upcoming election would take place as scheduled this month.
However, after being briefed by the NUJ secretary about the ongoing turmoil in Abuja, he pledged to take swift action. “We will have to look at it because we cannot afford a crisis in an organisation like the NUJ,” Anaba stated.
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The crisis within the NUJ has reportedly been triggered by allegations that the leadership is attempting to extend their tenure, a move that has sparked controversy among members.
In his speech at the NGE conference, Osoba described the situation as “embarrassing” and called for immediate intervention.
The crisis has reportedly escalated to the point where it is now being litigated in court.
With tensions high and the NUJ’s leadership under scrutiny, all eyes are now on the NGE as it prepares to step in and mediate the dispute.
The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent intervention will be closely watched by journalists and media stakeholders across Nigeria.