Comrade Michael Ikeogwu has emerged chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council.
Ikeogwu and other members of the Delta State Council comprising Patrick Ochei, Vice Chairman, Churchill Oyowe,Secretary, Celestine Afokobah, Assistant Secretary and Ochuko Akuopha, Financial Secretary will be administering the affairs of the NUJ within the next three years.
Ikeogwu polled 156 votes to defeat his closest rival, Fidelis Egugbo who was allegedly backed and sponsored by the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Ehiedu Charles Aniagwu at the NUJ Triennial Congress held at the Labour House, Asaba.
Egugbo struggled to rake 130 votes, even with the presence of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewovri at the venue.
Ikeogwu who is the Uvwie Bureau Chief of The Pointer Newspaper stated that his administration will not tolerate any form of harassment and illegal detention of journalists by security agencies across the state.
While noting that some journalists have been allegedly incarcerated by various security agencies unlawfully while discharging their duties, Ikeogwu said,” We are in an era where the rule of law and rights of journalists must be respected. I will not tell you our action but all I have to say that we will no longer tolerate the harassment and detention of journalists under my watch in Delta State. Security agencies, be warned.”
Ikeogwu vowed to administer an independent Delta NUJ with or without Government supports.
Ikeogwu also stated that the welfare, empowerment and unity of journalists accross the state were his priorities.
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