The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the successful conclusion of its triennial delegate conference.
In a statement issued on Sunday Hon. Koku-Obiyai lauded the newly elected Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, and his team for their victory in the council elections held at the NUJ Secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital.
She described the election process as a testament to the resilience and commitment of the council members to upholding democratic values.
The Commissioner noted that the 2024 NUJ delegate conference in Bayelsa State was particularly notable for being the most competitive in the Union’s history.
She expressed gratitude to all members of the council for their peaceful conduct during the elections, emphasizing that their maturity and unity contributed significantly to the event's success.
Hon. Koku-Obiyai called on the newly inaugurated NUJ State Council leadership to exhibit magnanimity in victory by embracing inclusiveness and ensuring that the affairs of the Union are managed with integrity and professionalism.
She urged them to prioritize the core virtues of journalism, including truth, fairness, and accountability, as they steer the Union toward achieving its goals.
Furthermore, the Commissioner appealed to all contestants in the election to view the outcome as a collective victory for the council and its members. She encouraged them to set aside any differences and work collaboratively with the new leadership to foster a united and dynamic NUJ State Council.
Hon. Koku-Obiyai reaffirmed the Bayelsa State Government's commitment to supporting the press as a critical partner in development and nation-building.
She expressed optimism that the new NUJ leadership would build on the achievements of their predecessors while driving innovation and progress within the Union.
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) elected its executive members to oversee the union's affairs for the next three years.
The election was conducted by a five-member Electoral Committee under the supervision of Zone F Vice President Mpaka Dokubo, Zone F Secretary John Angesse, and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Simon Barnabas.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Tonye Yemoleigha emerged as the Chairman of the NUJ Bayelsa State Chapter, securing 213 votes to defeat his opponent and immediate past Secretary, Ogio Ipigansi, who garnered 206 votes.
Inebaraton Preye was elected Vice Chairman with 238 votes, defeating Ebiowei Lawal, who polled 181 votes.
The newly elected executives are expected to steer the affairs of the union and strengthen its mission in the state over their three-year tenure.
