The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen, who presided over the congress, was accused of throwing caution to the wind with an outright and open display of bias, partiality, and favoritism.
The situation compelled over two-thirds (2/3) of the members in attendance at the Congress to resolve and pass a ‘Vote of No Confidence’ and subsequently impeach the entire executive committee.
Consequently, the State Working Committee of the Union, comprising the Chairpersons of the various Chapels, met on Sunday and ratified the removal of the EXCO by the Congress.
The statement made available to newsmen after the emergency meeting reads: “We note with dismay the ridiculous, undemocratic, and unconstitutional actions of Mr. Patrick’s led executive at the October 19, 2024, Congress. In light of these misdemeanors and infractions on the part of the State Working Committee (SWC), the State Executive Committee (SEC) deemed it necessary to hold an emergency meeting today, Sunday, October 20, 2024, and took the following decisions in exercising the power vested in it:
“The SEC, in line with its mandate as provided in the Constitution of the Union, hereby ratifies and endorses the resolution of the Congress taken on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
“The SEC hereby announces the takeover of the NUJ FCT Council as of today, Sunday, October 20, 2024. The general public and the Nigerian government should refrain from any official engagement with Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen’s led executive from this moment onwards.
“The SEC will communicate the new date for the Congress for the purpose of constituting a Credentials Committee that will organize elections for the Council in due course.
The impeached executive members are hereby warned, in their own interest, to desist forthwith from parading themselves as officials of the Council. Members are also advised to ignore and disregard any press statements purportedly emanating from Mr. Patrick Osadebamwen, Mr. Ochiaka Ugwu, and their allies.
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“The SEC appeals to the members of the Union to remain calm and law-abiding as we explore all constitutional provisions to ensure that normalcy returns to the FCT Council. The SEC has also formally notified the National Secretariat of the Union regarding the situation in the Council.
“The following decisions were taken in the overall interest of the Council to prevent further public opprobrium, embarrassment, and ridicule. We must maintain the sanctity of the NUJ FCT Council because of its integral role in the Union as a whole.
The statement explained that “the action of the SEC was guided by the provisions of Article 5, Part C, 10a-b and Part E (1h), which state that: 10. (a) The Central Working Committee (CWC) shall, upon a vote of no confidence by two-thirds (2/3) majority of votes of members of the National Executive Council (NEC), be dissolved. This shall, however, be based on proven allegations of anti-union activity, maladministration, financial impropriety, misconduct, and commission of crimes capable of dragging the name of the Union into disrepute.
“Where the CWC is dissolved, the National Secretary shall immediately notify the State Council Chairpersons and Secretaries, who shall take over and run the affairs of the Union and conduct elections within three months.”
“Part E (1h) The SEC shall perform similar functions as the NEC at the State Council level. The SWC shall perform similar functions as the CWC at the State Council level.”
