Despite his numerous alleged fraudulent activities including the botched plot of Nigeria Union of Journalists to sell the expensive secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council, Chris Isiguzo the Abia State born President of the Union, is in the news again for the wrong reason.
Isiguzo, who assumed office in 2018 for a three year tenure is supposed to bow out in October this year, when his second tenure is expected to elapse.
But, rather than vacate the seat after two consecutive three year tenures, the NUJ President, who is said to have amended the union’s constitution before his second tenure to enhance his selfish plot is alleged to be currently scheming to ensure that he and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) remain in office beyond the lawful tenure.
This anomaly has reportedly prompted a member of the union, Abdulwaheed Olayinka Adubi, to institute legal action against Isiguzo and his cohorts at the National Industrial Court.
Adubi, who intends to participate in the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference scheduled for November 2024 in Owerri, Imo State, challenged the decision made during the NUJ National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 9, 2024. He contended that the NEC lacked the authority to prolong the CWC’s mandate. The NUJ constitution clearly stipulates in Article 5(a)(3) that the conference should be held every three years to review reports, amend the constitution if necessary, and elect new officers. The CWC members, elected on October 7, 2021, were given a three-year tenure that ends on October 6, 2024.
Adubi claims that the tenure extension orchestrated by Isiguzo was an abuse of the union’s constitution. His lawyer, Ibrahim Bawa, SAN, argued that such an extension is unconstitutional and creates a crisis aimed at keeping the current leadership in power.
In court documents filed on September 10, 2024, Adubi accused the NUJ leadership of failing to establish a Credentials Committee three months before the end of the CWC’s term, as required by Article 5(9)(a) of the constitution. This committee is responsible for verifying the financial standing of registered delegates before the conference. According to Adubi, this deliberate omission violated the union’s rules.
Additionally, the lawsuit challenges the committee’s decision to impose a ₦350,000 fee for the presidential nomination form, arguing that it disenfranchises potential candidates. Adubi is asking the court to dissolve the CWC and hand over the union’s leadership to the chairmen and secretaries of the NUJ’s state councils, who would oversee the election process within three months.
If the court grants this request, Adubi believes it will create a fair environment for all union members seeking elective positions.
Recall, Chris Isiguzo allegedly connived with some people, including Chris a photographer turned Imo NUJ dissident Chairman and others to sell the Imo NUJ Secretariat to Anedo General Services a proxy through which former Governor Rochas Okorocha attempted to buy the property but was stopped by the Union led by Comrade Precious Nwadike and his executive.
