August 02, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the union for the next three years.
Comrade Nsibiet John, the publisher of The Ink Newspaper and representative of the Federated Chapel, emerged as the new Chairman after securing a total of 555 votes to defeat three other contenders; Comrade Nene Afia of the State Ministry of Information Chapel, who polled 92 votes; Effiong Edet, 21 votes; and Esther Effiong, who garnered 4 votes.
The election, held during the union’s Triennial Delegates Conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Uyo, was conducted under the supervision of South-South Zonal officials of the NUJ.
Also re-elected was Comrade Margaret Moore of the State Ministry of Information Chapel, who retained her position as Vice Chairman for a second term. She polled 393 votes, defeating Mkpoikana Eno with 246 votes and Ernest Udo, who secured 34 votes.
In another keenly contested position, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, also of the Ministry of Information Chapel, was elected Secretary, garnering 419 votes against Michael Ufot’s 253.
Other officials elected unopposed include Comrade Udeme Hosea – Treasurer; Comrade Kufre Emmanuel – Financial Secretary; Comrade Uduak Akai – Assistant Secretary; Comrade Dianime Uko – Auditor.
The newly elected executive succeeds the leadership of Comrade Amos Etuk and is expected to bring renewed direction and professionalism to the state council.
In his acceptance speech at a well-attended conference, the new Council Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, promised to bring together journalists from across the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting credible journalism, unity, and progress.
He, however, pledged to be magnanimous in victory, calling on all who contested in the election to see themselves not as opponents but partners in the Union business by bringing their wealth of knowledge to bear in the Union leadership.
