By Stephen Simon
ILORIN — Tensions have flared within the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as aggrieved members held a peaceful protest in Ilorin, calling on the union’s national leadership to immediately suspend the state chairman, Abdulateef ‘Lanre Ahmed.
The protesting journalists accused the council chairman of playing an “inglorious role” in the controversial suspension of three union members: Comrade Adamu Usman Sabi (State Information Chapel), Comrade Mosunmola Ayobami (Correspondent Chapel), and Comrade Dare Akogun (Sobi FM Chapel).
The demonstration took place on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre along Old Offa Road, Ilorin, where union members gathered for a solidarity rally and press conference to demand fair hearing, due process, and an immediate end to official impunity.
Marching through the press centre grounds, the journalists displayed placards bearing sharp inscriptions, including: “Suspend the Kwara NUJ chairman pending investigation,” “NUJ, give our members fair hearing, due process must prevail,” “No to impunity, no to intimidation, no to harassment,” and “NUJ must practise what it preaches – fairness, justice, and accountability.”
Addressing newsmen during the briefing, spokespersons for the group condemned the disciplinary action against the trio, describing it as an arbitrary exercise of power that violated the union’s constitution and basic principles of natural justice. They argued that the council leadership failed to afford the affected members a fair opportunity to defend themselves before handing down the suspension.
The protesters urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the NUJ to step in swiftly, institute an independent panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspension, and relieve Chairman Ahmed of his duties while the probe is conducted to prevent further division within the state council.
As of the time of reporting, the state council leadership has yet to issue an official statement in response to the demands of the protesting members.
