Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
COMRADE Churchill Oyowe has survived a major scare to emerge re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, after defeating his challenger, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, in the council’s election.
Oyowe, who contested under the Power Consolidation Team, will return for a second term following the completion of his first three-year tenure as chairman of the council.
His victory came after a rancorous and highly charged campaign, characterised by allegations of calumny involving some individuals believed to be supporting the candidacy of the Stand Up Team.
Oyowe’s re-election marks a fresh mandate, secured through the support of journalists across the state in what was described as one of the most keenly contested and best-attended elections in the history of the state council.
Announcing the results, the electoral committee declared that Oyowe polled 238 votes to defeat Obieh, who scored 218 votes.
In other positions contested, Comrade Felix Ekwu of DBS Chapel, Warri, emerged Secretary after polling 237 votes to defeat Comrade Pere Botu, who scored 202 votes.
Stonix News reports that Comrade Victor Ochie won the vice-chairmanship position with 241 votes, defeating Comrade Monday Osayande of The Guardian, who polled 173 votes.
For the position of Assistant Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, who contested for the position for the second consecutive time, polled 267 votes to defeat Comrade Andy Emephia, who scored 188 votes.
The outcome of the election has paved the way for Oyowe to lead the NUJ Delta State Council for another three-year term, with expectations that his administration will consolidate on its previous achievements and further advance the interests of journalists across the state.
Meanwhile, with the distribution of positions between the Oyowe-led Power Consolidation Team and the Stand Up Team expected to shape the post-election atmosphere, the returning chairman is expected to hit the ground running by initiating reconciliation efforts to unite the evidently polarised Delta NUJ.
Such efforts would be crucial to fostering unity, strengthening professional solidarity and ensuring that the council remains focused on the welfare and interests of journalists in Delta State.
