Comrade Churchill Oyowe who on Tuesday lost to Comrade Michael Ikeogwu for the chairmanship position in a keenly contested election into the state executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council has accepted defeat.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe disclosed this on Wednesday afternoon in a statement widely circulated on social media platforms.
Oghenesivbe said, “Today, in my office, I received my brother and friend, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and we discussed the outcome of the just concluded Delta NUJ election.
“It is gratifying to know that Oyowe has agreed to move on and to strategize for the future. Peace is priceless and blessed are the peacemakers.
“I urge the Union Chairman, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu to appreciate the sportsmanship of Oyowe and work together for the progress of the Union in the state.
“Oyowe will not be challenging the outcome of the election and his decision is highly appreciated.
“Together we shall all partner with government to ensure a Stronger Delta State under the leadership of His Excellency the Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa”, Oghenesivbe stated.
Meanwhile, The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has congratulated the newly elected executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council and hailed the union, for conducting a smooth, peaceful and transparent election.
A statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza reads: “The Delta State PDP warmly congratulates the newly elected Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Delta State Council, which emerged after a keenly contested election, on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
“We also salute the entire membership of the Delta NUJ for displaying great professional maturity and conducting a peaceful, transparent, and rancour-free election.
“We note with satisfaction that the newly elected Exco, led by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, who was returned as Chairman for a second term, is a team of tried and tested unionists and professionals, who will continue to deliver quality service to the union. We, therefore, urge all those who participated in the election to join hands with the new Exco to move Delta NUJ to greater heights.
“The Delta PDP has enjoyed a cordial professional relationship with the NUJ over the years and we look forward to a more robust partnership with the fourth estate of the realm and the new NUJ Delta State Exco, as we collectively work together, towards building a Stronger Delta for all Deltans.”
Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State has celebrated members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council on the successful conduct of their election held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
Below is Delta State APC’s statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Sylvester Imonina:
From available information to Delta APC, there is no gainsaying the fact that as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they have proved to Deltans that they are capable of carrying out an election that is devoid of intimidation, harassment and overt manipulations, unlike a situation wherein in most cases, the will of the people is subverted and/ or circumvented such as was the case in the Local Government Council elections in Delta State by the powers that be! From us in Delta APC, NUJ, Delta State Council has shown nobility.
Also, we want to use this opportunity to congratulate the recently elected Executives of Online Media Practitioners, Delta State. The efforts of members of the Association towards bringing to the public domain, the good side and the ills of the present Government in the State as part of their contributions for the development of Delta State is second to none! Members of Online Media Practitioners in Delta State have continued to exhibit the highest sense of professionalism and we say kudos to them!
While Delta APC celebrates the new Executives of NUJ, Delta State Council, we want to say that we are ready to partner with these noble men and women for the good of all Deltans.
Meanwhile, we urge/pray the Executives to tailor the minds of members towards working for the good and wellbeing of our dear State. That is, there should be less emphasis on brown envelopes and Government patronage. Rather, they should speak to authority irrespective of whose ox is gored; as that is the only way we can have a better State.
From Delta APC, congratulations once again to the newly elected Executives and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
