…Commends Yayi’s ₦1,000-Seater Event Centre, Bus Donation to Ogun NUJ
…Urges Journalists to Uphold Professionalism Ahead of 2027 Elections
Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has expressed solidarity with the Ogun State Council of the union over alleged harassment and intimidation of its officials by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling on the commission to ensure fairness and professionalism in handling the matter.
The union also urged the EFCC leadership to intervene and discontinue what it described as incessant and unwarranted harassment of the Ogun Council officials, stressing that any investigation into allegations of wrongdoing should be evidence-based and conducted in accordance with the rule of law.
The position was contained in a 14-point communiqué issued at the end of the Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting of NUJ Zone B, comprising Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, held at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The meeting, presided over by the Vice President of the union for Zone B, Princess Ronke Afebioye-Samo, was attended by the Deputy National President, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, national officers from the zone, as well as chairmen and secretaries of the six state councils.
The ZEC expressed concern over the repeated invitations and questioning of the Ogun State Council Chairman and other officials by the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Office in connection with a petition allegedly submitted by some individuals operating under the name “The Patriot”, whose identity, according to the union, was unknown to it.
It noted that the affected officials had honoured invitations, made the council’s financial records available and cooperated with the commission on approximately 25 occasions, despite what it described as frivolous, baseless and politically motivated allegations.
The union also raised concerns over alleged bias and prejudgment in the handling of the investigation, particularly an allegation that an EFCC officer, identified as Mr. Bashir, Head of the Economic Governance Unit, had reportedly concluded his preliminary report before interviewing the Ogun NUJ Chairman.
It further questioned the propriety of the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate handling a petition against the Ogun State Council, given that Ogun State falls within the jurisdiction of the commission’s Lagos II Zonal Directorate.
While acknowledging the accountability of its officials under applicable laws, the NUJ maintained that it was an independent professional and labour union, not a financial institution or government agency, adding that its activities were sustained through voluntary contributions and support from individuals, organisations and governments.
The ZEC urged the EFCC to conduct an impartial investigation, respect the fundamental rights of the affected officials and, where prima facie evidence of wrongdoing is established, pursue the matter through appropriate legal channels rather than subjecting union leaders to sustained intimidation.
It assured the Ogun State Council officials of its full support and pledged to pursue legitimate institutional and legal avenues to protect their rights, dignity and interests.
Meanwhile, the union commended Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for his substantial contributions to the development of the Ogun State Council, particularly his support for the construction of a 1,000-seater ultra-modern event centre and donation of a brand-new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus.
It called on other well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to emulate the senator’s gesture by supporting the development and institutional advancement of the union.
The ZEC also applauded Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for elevating the appointment of NUJ member, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, from Chief Press Secretary to Special Adviser on Media.
Similarly, it appreciated Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for reappointing Mr. Yinka Oyebode as Special Adviser on Media and for his promise to donate an administrative block to the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ.
The union further commended the outgoing Chairman and Secretary of the Lagos State Council, Comrades Adeleye Ajayi and Tunde Olalere, respectively, for their six years of dedicated service and contributions to the growth of the union.
It expressed optimism that the Lagos State Council election scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, would usher in a new leadership capable of consolidating the achievements of the outgoing administration and sustaining the council’s unity and progress.
On infrastructure, the ZEC expressed concern over the deplorable conditions of some strategic roads across the South-West, urging federal, state and local governments to expedite ongoing projects, resume abandoned ones and rehabilitate deteriorating roads to reduce road crashes and safeguard lives.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the union charged journalists across the zone to uphold objectivity, impartiality and non-partisanship in their reportage.
It also directed the six state councils to organise adequate training and capacity-building programmes for members on the Code of Election Coverage to promote responsible, balanced and credible electoral reporting.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to unity, institutional independence, accountability, the rule of law and the protection of journalists’ welfare, rights and professional integrity.
