The purported suspension of the NUJ FCT Council election processes is a calculated attempt by the embattled former NUJ Chairman and the FCT Council Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwe to subvert democratic process. It is evident that their preferred tool in this plot is Emeka Nze, who has been pushed forward as a front to manipulate due process and stall the election through unsubstantiated claims.
No Court Injunction Exists:
Contrary to the narrative being circulated, no formal court order has been issued to halt the election process. The principle of lis pendens cited by the claimant’s counsel is not an injunction but merely a procedural notice of pending litigation. The court has not made any ruling to suspend or halt the election, and thus the process remains legitimate and within the bounds of the law.
A Lawyer Cannot Be a Judge in His Own Case:
The counsel representing Emeka Nze cannot impose an interpretation of the lis pendens rule to serve the interests of his client. This is a clear case of overreach, as it is solely within the court’s jurisdiction to determine whether election activities should be suspended. The absence of a court injunction nullifies any assertion that the election process must cease.
Abuse of NUJ Constitution for Personal Agendas:
The allegations made by Emeka Nze concerning the credentials of Mr. Henry Umoru and Ms. Sarah Odugbo are not only unfounded but serve as a distraction. The NUJ Constitution provides clear mechanisms for addressing disputes. Raising these issues at the eleventh hour—reveals a deliberate strategy to derail the process.
A Ploy to Undermine Democratic Values:
It is not coincidental that these actions are being spearheaded by individuals with a history of manipulating union processes for personal gain. Ogbeche, Osadebamwe and his allies, including Emeka Nze, have shown a disregard for the collective will of the NUJ membership by resorting to tactics aimed at obstructing free and fair elections.
The Election Must Proceed:
In the absence of a court injunction, there is no legal impediment to continuing with the election. The NUJ FCT Council owes its members a duty to uphold the principles of transparency, democracy, and fairness by proceeding with the election as planned. This would ensure that the union remains committed to serving the interests of its members rather than succumbing to external pressures driven by selfish motives.
In conclusion, the purported halt to the election process is a baseless and calculated effort to undermine the democratic fabric of the NUJ. The union leadership and its members must resist these antics and ensure that due process prevails.
