By Emeka Benneth
William Shakespeare, in Hamlet, reminds us, “Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice.” In the evolving discourse surrounding the NUJ FCT Council elections, it is vital that we all lend our ears to the principles that uphold our union’s professional integrity and unity. Yet, it is also essential to recognize when rhetoric is cleverly fashioned to obscure these principles.
The Council is in receipt of a letter, sighted and titled RE: Setting up of Credentials Committee for FCT Council, requesting that Article 5 (9a-e) be fulfilled. This document emphasizes the need to adhere strictly to our constitutional guidelines, reinforcing that the credibility of our democratic processes is not up for compromise. Furthermore, the Council must furnish the National Secretariat with proof of payment of dues and practicing fees, a requirement the two members under petition have allegedly not met.
Recent developments reveal a more intricate and premeditated effort to shape the outcome of our Council’s leadership. Whispers among members have evolved into documented petitions and actions that some would rather dismiss, but the truth is ever stubborn. It is worth noting that behind the scenes, a highly regarded former chairman, once celebrated for his commitment to unity, appears to have thrown his weight behind the strategic ploy to disqualify certain aspirants. This alliance, if one might call it that, is hardly accidental and raises pressing questions about genuine intentions for the NUJ’s progress.
Assertions likening the petition to a Shakespearean tragedy may entertain but do little to elevate a constructive debate. The clamoring of those supporting the petitioned members at Nelson Garden only adds to the irony. They have voiced claims that the petitioned Chairman had not paid his dues, yet the current Chairman of a certain Chapel has reportedly promised to reach out to the embattled Secretary of Council to arrange for receipts and ID cards from Area 10 UTC. Caution must prevail in branding legitimate concerns as mere “desperate things,” for such language risks polarizing our esteemed members. When credible issues about due process emerge, it is wisdom, not fear, that prompts their examination.
It is laughable that individuals who have not paid their dues now seek to lead over those who have. The invocation of constitutional criteria under Article 5 (9d & e) should be celebrated as a commitment to the rule of law. Questions raised are not about subverting processes but ensuring they remain fair and representative. This approach promotes inclusivity, respecting every voice, even that of members whose engagement may have fluctuated over the years. We must tread carefully in assigning motives, remembering that genuine calls for transparency do not signify hidden agendas.
We must also refrain from disparaging our colleagues with vague claims about attendance records and membership status without verifiable evidence. As responsible professionals, every assertion must be substantiated, in line with the journalistic ethics we all cherish. The petitioners’ motivations are best understood through dialogue, not disparagement.
The query, “Who is afraid of elections?” is as rhetorical as it is misplaced. No member committed to a robust and transparent NUJ FCT Council election fears competition. Rather, they welcome a process grounded in openness and adherence to constitutional norms, devoid of shortcuts or perceptions of bias.
In closing, let us remain steadfast in upholding the values of the NUJ FCT Council. Our duty is to strengthen our union, avoiding divisive rhetoric that stokes discontent. We stand at a crossroads, and the choice before us is clear: professionalism and dialogue over suspicion and acrimony. Let us choose wisely, for the legacy we leave will shape our council for years to come.
By Emeka Benneth
Concerned Nigeria
