Rita Enemuru, Reporting
IWALAAYE Consult Ltd (ICL), publishers of Stonix News, Crimes Chroniclers and NaijaSpora News, has congratulated Comrade Churchill Oyowe on his re-election as Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), describing his victory as a triumph of resilience, democratic choice and the enduring power of truth over character assassination and campaigns of calumny.
Oyowe secured 235 votes to defeat his challenger, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, who polled 218 votes in the keenly contested election held on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Friday by its Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Ebenezer Adurokiya, ICL said the outcome of the election was particularly significant given the rancorous atmosphere and intense hostility that characterised the campaign leading up to the poll.
The organisation observed that the contest witnessed disturbing attempts to discredit individuals, with character assassination and campaigns of calumny threatening to overshadow the issues that should ordinarily define a professional association’s leadership election.
According to ICL, the circumstances surrounding the election made Oyowe’s victory more remarkable, as he remained resolute in the face of the challenges and allowed the democratic process to determine the outcome.
It noted that the election had once again demonstrated that, while campaigns of calumny might generate temporary tension and deepen divisions, the ultimate decision rests with the electorate, whose votes remain the most legitimate instrument for determining leadership in a democratic setting.
”Oyowe’s victory is a powerful reminder that resilience, perseverance and faith in the democratic process remain essential virtues in the face of adversity. When campaigns become rancorous and personal attacks threaten to overwhelm reason, the ballot provides an opportunity for the people to make their choice,” the statement said.
ICL, however, stressed that the victory should not be interpreted as a licence for retaliation or an invitation to reopen the wounds inflicted during the campaign.
Rather, it urged the re-elected chairman to rise above the bitterness of the contest and embrace a leadership style that accommodates divergent opinions, restores confidence and unites members across political and professional divides.
The organisation maintained that the true measure of Oyowe’s victory would ultimately lie not merely in the number of votes he secured, but in his ability to transform the renewed mandate into meaningful progress for journalists in Delta State.
It called on him to extend a hand of fellowship to his opponent, Comrade Kenneth Obieh, and his supporters, emphasising that the NUJ must remain a common platform for the advancement of journalism rather than a battleground for personal interests.
The organisation expressed particular appreciation to the elders and respected stakeholders of the Delta State Council, including the electoral committee, who stood for truth, fairness and justice during the electioneering period.
It commended their commitment to preserving the integrity of the union and supporting a process through which members could exercise their franchise without the contest degenerating into disorder.
ICL said the intervention and guidance of experienced stakeholders remained vital in moments of intense disagreement, noting that professional associations needed principled elders who could rise above factional considerations and defend the collective interest.
It described their contribution to the peaceful conduct of the election as worthy of commendation, adding that the successful conclusion of the exercise demonstrated the importance of dialogue, restraint and respect for democratic procedures.
The organisation also commended the electoral committee, council leadership, delegates, contestants and other stakeholders for their respective roles in ensuring a hitch-free election.
It said the peaceful conduct of the poll was particularly commendable against the backdrop of the rancour that characterised the campaign, expressing the hope that the same spirit of responsibility would guide the council in the period ahead.
ICL also congratulated Comrade Kenneth Obieh for participating in the election and presenting himself for service to the union.
It noted that competitive elections naturally produce winners and losers, but the ability of all participants to respect the outcome and work towards the common good is what ultimately strengthens democratic institutions.
The organisation urged Obieh and his supporters to join hands with the re-elected chairman in rebuilding trust and advancing the welfare of journalists in the state.
It equally congratulated other successful candidates (Comrade Patrick Ochei, Comrade Felix Ekwu, Comrade Josephine Omodior) and acknowledged the contributions of all contestants, delegates and members who participated in the electoral process.
According to ICL, no election victory should diminish the dignity of those who contested unsuccessfully, just as no defeat should prevent a willing and capable individual from continuing to contribute to the growth of the profession.
It, therefore, called on all sides to sheathe their swords, abandon bitterness and redirect their energies towards addressing the challenges confronting journalists, including welfare, professional development, ethical practice, press freedom and the sustainability of media organisations.
The organisation emphasised that the NUJ, as the umbrella body of practising journalists, must consistently demonstrate the democratic values, fairness and accountability it expects from public institutions and political actors.
It said the events surrounding the election should serve as a lesson against the dangers of allowing personal animosity and character assassination to erode professional solidarity.
ICL urged Oyowe to use his renewed mandate to promote transparency, strengthen internal democracy, encourage constructive criticism and ensure that every member, irrespective of political affiliation during the election, has a sense of belonging.
It also encouraged members of the council to embrace reconciliation, insisting that the future of the union must be built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and a common commitment to the advancement of journalism.
”The election is over, but the responsibility to build a stronger NUJ Delta State Council has only just begun. The rancour of the campaign must not become the legacy of the election.
”The victory must instead mark the beginning of reconciliation, purposeful leadership and renewed commitment to the welfare and professional integrity of journalists,” ICL stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism and democratic values, ICL said its media platforms would continue to promote truth, fairness, accountability and professionalism in their coverage of public affairs and developments within the media industry.
The organisation maintained that the experience of the election reinforced the importance of responsible communication and the need for public discourse to be guided by verifiable facts rather than personal attacks.
It expressed confidence that Oyowe would justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate and wished him and his team a successful and impactful tenure.
ICL also wished the entire NUJ Delta State Council renewed unity, peace and progress, expressing the hope that the lessons of the election would inspire members to place the collective interest of the profession above individual differences.
