The Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has elected Mrs. Juliana Ofoku, a Deputy Director at the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, as the state council’s Chairperson.
Out of the seven available positions, the State Ministry of Information secured near-total dominance in the council’s executive seats.
The representatives from the ministry captured four key slots with Mrs. Ofoku as Chairperson, Ibrahim Dauda as Secretary, Joel Adamu Elafikwu as Treasurer, and Bilikisu Adamu as Auditor.
The only other breakthrough from the 8 chapels of the council was Regina David of Precious FM Chapel, who was elected as the Assistant Secretary of the union.
However, the ministry’s sweeping victory has been heavily criticised by insiders who allege intimidation of delegates by the management of the ministry.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, several staff members of the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism alleged that they were subjected to intense psychological pressure and threats prior to the casting of ballots.
“We were warned that we must vote for Mrs Juliana Ofoku or face severe official consequences,” one civil servant told The Voice Correspondent.
“It wasn’t an election of free will; it was a directive enforced by fear,” another said.
Despite the allegations and outcome of the polls, Mr. Sunday John, one of the frontline contestants and the immediate past Secretary of the union, chose the path of peace.
Announcing the results at the Press Centre in Lafia, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Kalu Idika, declared Ofoku the winner after she polled 96 votes.
She narrowly defeated her closest rival, Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), who scored 89 votes, while Sunday John of the Correspondents’ Chapel secured 61 votes.
In a statement released shortly after the declaration of the results, John expressed profound gratitude to his supporters and urged the union to move forward, choosing to accept the outcome in the spirit of sportsmanship.
“I am deeply grateful for the love, support, solidarity, and encouragement I received before, during, and after the election. Your belief in my vision, your time, resources, and commitment did not go unnoticed.
“To those who mobilised across chapels, engaged colleagues, and stood firm with me till the end, thank you. Your show of support and loyalty is a testament to the strength of our union.
“The members have spoken, and I have accepted the outcome of the election in good faith. Democracy thrives when we respect the collective decision of the majority. I congratulate the winner and wish her a successful tenure as she pilots the affairs of our Council. I pray that her administration will bring growth, unity, and progress to the NUJ Nasarawa State Council.”
When contacted, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, denied allegations of intimidation.
He said, “I did not force anybody to vote for any specific candidate.”
