_NUJ FCT Council Impeaches Chairman, Executive Members Amid Constitutional Violations_

_NUJ FCT Council Impeaches Chairman, Executive Members Amid Constitutional Violations_

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has impeached its Chairman, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, along with his executive members. This decision was made during the Congress on Saturday and formally communicated to the National Secretariat of the Union.

At the heart of the impeachment lies a constitutional violation. Specifically, Osadebamwen allegedly handpicked members of the Credentials Committee, contravening Article 5(9d) of the NUJ Constitution. This article stipulates that the Credentials Committee should be nominated by the State Congress and approved by the National Secretariat, comprising members in good financial standing with no intention to vie for offices in the said elections.

The Congress condemned Osadebamwen's actions as a "flagrant violation" and a "premeditated move" to undermine the Constitution. Consequently, a vote of no confidence was passed, and Osadebamwen, along with his executive members, was impeached by a 2/3 majority of members present.

Comrade Osadebamwen's impeachment was formally announced during the Congress, citing his failure to adhere to the Union's constitutional guidelines. The resolution highlighted the severity of the breach, emphasizing that the handpicked Credentials Committee members were not nominated by the State Congress or approved by the National Secretariat.

The NUJ FCT Council has invited the national leadership to intervene in the prevailing confusion and "save the face of the Union." A list of signatures supporting the impeachment has been attached to the resolution.

Comrade Osadebamwen's tenure has been marked by controversy, with several members expressing concerns over his leadership style and alleged disregard for the Union's constitution. The impeachment is seen as a significant step towards restoring transparency and accountability within the FCT Council.

The impeachment details are as follows:

Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, and his executive members were impeached due to constitutional violations. The specific violations include:

- Handpicking Credentials Committee members without State Congress nomination or National Secretariat approval

- Contravening Article 5(9d) of the NUJ Constitution

A vote of no confidence was passed by a 2/3 majority of members present during the Congress. The NUJ FCT Council has called on the national leadership to intervene and address the prevailing confusion.

The NUJ's commitment to upholding its Constitution and promoting transparency will be closely watched as this situation unfolds. Founded in 1955, the NUJ has evolved into a powerful trade union body, registered under the Labor Laws Cap 2000.

As the Union navigates this challenging period, its members and stakeholders eagerly await the national leadership's response to the FCT Council's call for intervention. The outcome will have significant implications for the Union's governance structure and credibility.