The Nigerian Union of Journalist, Lagos chapter elected Leye Ajayi as Chairman in a well conducted election.
All thanks to the credential committee, the election which was held at the Blue Roof Lagos State Television LTV, Alausa Ikeja remains one of the few election that witnessed a very large turnout of journalists with the electorates well coordinated.
Leye Ajayi secured 370 votes of total votes cast to defeat incumbent chairman, Dr. Qasim Akinreti who scored 68 votes. An overwhelmingly Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) election was a very peaceful and calm atmosphere.
You may recall that, this is the second time that Leye Ajayi is vying for the position of Chairman of the Lagos State Council. In 2017, Leye was defeated by Akinreti by 17 votes a very slim margin.
Leye Ajayi a senior staff at News Agency of Nigeria, NAN is a well experienced journalist, very calm and mixes well with colleagues.
Meanwhile, Kasim Tunde Olalere of the Lagos Television (LTV)was elected Secretary after defeating Raymond Tedunjaye of New Nigeria Newspaper, while Innocent Anaba of Vanguard newspaper who had contested for the office the second time though lost was also elected as Financial Secretary.
Other members of executive were returned unopposed, namely Abiola Beckley of Daar Communications, who remains Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council.
Although the elections were generally peaceful, free and fair, the run up to the election was actually paved with intrigues by the NUJ national, a development that almost tour the union into shreds based on the way the biometric exercise was handled.
In his appreciation speech, Adeleye thanked members of NUJ Lagos Chapter ‘Now That The Election Is Over’
On behalf of the EXCO members, let me start by expressing our deepest appreciation for the overwhelming support that saw to our election as the new EXCO of the NUJ Lagos Council. We are still in awe as to the passion, persistent and determination displayed while the electioneering process lasted.
Today’s victory is for us all. It is a collective achievement and together, we shall execute the mandate in the overall interests of our members. Remember, we are now in the era of Collective Responsibility.
Now that the election is over, I want to appeal to all of us to put the campaigns behind and let us rally round the new EXCO as we begin this journey together. Member’s inputs will be most needed as we move forward and I implore those who will be called upon to serve in one way or the other to get prepared.
We accept this mandate with the full understanding of the concomitant responsibilities and I, on behalf of other EXCO members, pledge our commitment to provide a responsive and responsible leadership for the Council.
I extend a hand of fellowship to Dr Qasim Akinreti, Comrade Raymond Tedunjaiye and Comrade Iyabo Wale-Eri as we commend their doggedness and for putting up a spirited fight. There is no winner or loser. I must say that we need your support in discharging the duties of these offices.