– As Union Holds Emergency Congress
– Mourns Colleague’s Demise
A High Court sitting in Owerri, the state capital, yesterday adjourned the matter between the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State chapter and Anedo General Services, a company the former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, is alleged to have fronted in his effort to buy the union’s secretariat, that is situate along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, to October, 10, 2024.
The union had approached the Court over what they described as a fraudulently obtained judgment by Anedo. The union also alleged that Anedo, deceived the Court into believing that there was no leadership tussle in Imo NUJ, adding that Anedo, Chris Akaraonye and the National Chairman of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo attempted to sell the property to them for the purpose o building a hotel. But unknown to the Court, the union was already embroiled in a dispute at the National Industrial Court against Isiguzo and electoral committee in respect of a botched election that was declared inconclusive.
Hence, the Union did not have an authentic leadership. The union, also alleged that Isiguzo, who hails from Abia State, attempted to fraudulently sell the property in partnership with Akaraonye and others
“At the time they did the transaction with Anedo, the union was already in Court in respect of a botched election, hence, any person or group of persons, who did the transaction purportedly on behalf of Imo NUJ acted as imposters”.
The matter has been and the presiding Judge directed that it be given accelerated hearing but they have been frustrating it since then.
Meanwhile the union held an emergency congress on Wednesday to discuss renewed effort by Isiguzo to sell the union’s property and the death of their colleague, Delight Mmesoma, who, until her death was a staff of Christian Voice Newspaper, owned by the Owerri Diocese of the Anglican Communion.
The union also noted that Isiguzo’s tenure is almost coming to an end and he maybe interested in contesting for a seat in the National Assembly after his tenure.
Hence, the speculation that he needs funds from the sale of the Secretariat to fund his campaign, just like, former Governor Okorocha allegedly bank rolled his campaign for the NUJ Presidency with the initial amount he paid for the union’s Secretariat.
On the death of Mmesoma Delight, the Imo NUJ executive was mandated to follow up on the burial arrangement and reach out to the family.
