The Oyo state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ on Tuesday, elected new executives to run the affairs of the union for the next three years.
Mr. Akeem Abas of the Correspondent Chapel, working with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emerged the new Chairman as he polled 143 votes to defeat his opponents, Mr Raji Adebayo, also of the Correspondent Chapel and Olusola Oladapo of the Federal Information chapel, who polled . 118 and 59 votes respectively.
Also the post of Vice Chairman was won by Mr. Abiodun Atilola of the State Information chapel, who polled 205 votes to defeat his co-contestant Mr Sam Nwaoko of The Tribune, who gathered 112 votes.
Mr Temidayo Adu from FRCN chapel is now the Secretary of the Council as he polled 166 votes to defeat Mr Adeniji Olamide of the State Information chapel who scored 149 pvotes.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, promised to lift the union to an enviable height, but craved the support and co-operation of members for successful tenure.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and humility. I deeply appreciate the confidence you have placed in me through your votes. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to every journalist across Oyo State who believes in unity, progress and more vibrant NUJ.
“I pledge to serve with fairness, transparency and renewed dedication. I will work with every chapel, every stakeholder and every colleague to build the council we all desire-a council driven by welfare, professionalism and respect for all.
“There is no winner and no loser in this election. We are one family, bound by the sacred duty of journalism. Let us move forward together in peace and purpose.
“At this juncture, I hereby declare a state of emergency on professionalism,”he promised.
Meanwhile, the post of Financial secretary, Auditor and Assistant secretary are to be filled at a later date through a bye-election.
The new executive members have however been inaugurated by the union legal Adviser, AbdulJelil Oladimeji.
