By Austin Ogwuda
ALL things being equal, barring any last minute change or any unforeseen circumstances, the election of new officers into the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, holds October 6, 2023.
Very much at hand, isn’t it?
The coming election will usher in new executive members, thus terminating the incumbent tenure of Comrade Mike Ikeogu-led administration.
Already, a 5-man Planning and Credentials Screening Committee headed by Comrade Christian Ogor of Ika Correspondents Chapel to prepare the ground has been constituted.
Other members of the Committee are Comrades Victor Okis Okpomo of Warri Correspondents Chapel, Emmanuel Ekebe of Isoko Correspondents Chapel and Felix Evwihor of the State Information Chapel.
As expected, Ikeogu charged them to word assiduously towards a hitch free election.
This Reporter, in this piece, will mirror the politicking associated with an election such as the coming one, if past experiences are not to be swept under the carpet.
Government Intervention syndrome:
It has been proven over time that the State government under previous governors, for reasons best known to them, participated actively but surreptitiously though on who emerged at the end of the day in election that is supposed to be a family affair of Journalists.
Be that as it may, I am not foreseeing any difference or departure from this practice from the present government of Sheriff Oborevwori following likewise.
But I must concede and give it to him for the media aides he had so far engaged.
The duo of Comrades Festus Ahon and Fidelis Egugbo.
These two gentlemen, while avoiding the risk of overrating them, having been around in this profession for almost four decades, I can confidently chest out to give them pass mark, given their pedigrees.
But paradventure they decide to change tomorrow, this rating automatically crashes because I choose to stand for the truth always no matter whose ox is gored, period!
This is because the last occupant of the office of the Chief Press Secretary CPS till today is at daggers drawn with majority of Journalists in Delta State because of his divide and rule tactics that later boomeranged.
Did we not hear that he wanted to come back. He ran to Abuja to meet with his former principal who chased him away telling him to go back and settle with his people.
Ahon, who is the chief spokesman of the governor, apart from having worked in a national newspaper like Vanguard and also being a member of the national executive council of NUJ is tested, a round peg in a round hole.
The same with another seasoned Journalist and author, ‘Home Boy’ – Fidelis Egugbo.
Specifically, Ahon has a daunting task in this regard.
Don’t listen to the usual sing song that Government has no hands or does not interfer. Far be it. Yes, they may actually won’t bring out their ‘hand’ but what of the hand of Esau …. voice of Jacob’ scenerio?
Your guess is as good as mine.
Usually, irrespective of what is seen as volte-face, past governors intervened by either arm twisting the journalists directly under their employment to “tow the line”.
While we are still waiting for the governor to name the Commissioner for Information in the State let it be known that time has changed.
A situation where a Commissioner rolls out the State machinery pulling the string from behind on who becomes the Number One Journalist in the state will no longer be tolerated.
Yes, no governor wants a bad press. But the challenge is that the truth must be said.
There is no Journalist worth his or her salt will be a booth licker and and will be hailing a governor for non performance.
Where a governor is doing well, why not report same as the gatekeeper and areas not doing well should equally be highlighted.
What I detest is jaundiced reportage, blackmail.
So as the election of October 6 approaches, let the Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori not fret as he is in safe hands on whoever that emerges as the next NUJ chair in Delta State.
Another issue of concern centers on conduct of Journalists themselves.
It is very unfortunate that when it comes to election like this mudslinging, blackmail, campaign of calumny associated with career politicians rear the ugly head.
At times messy, why?
Therefore, apart from being a reporter, as an elder in both age and in this cherished profession, there should be decorum.
Whatever camp you choose to belong or whoever you choose to support please don’t pull down the roof because it is not worth it.
For the Comrade Mike Ikeogu and EXCO there is no doubt that you are leaving a legacy behind and the next leadership should ensure the standard doesn’t drop but to take it to greater height.
Before I conclude, let the Screening committee know that it is criminal and unjustifiable to screen out anybody due to orchestrated means to shut out potentials capable of guaranteeing good leadership but lack the ‘god father’ support.
Best of luck!
