By Khalid Idris Doya
Ra’uf Oyewole of The Guardian Newspapers has emerged Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Oyewole defeated Samuel Luka of Daily Times to emerge chairman in an election conducted on Wednesday at the chapel’s office under the supervision of officials of the NUJ.
Other members elected into the chapel executive include Muhammad Nasiru Shuaibu of Telegraph Newspapers, who emerged secretary; Adamu Shehu Imam of Trust TV, treasurer; and David Adenuga of The Nation Newspapers, auditor.
Muhammad Kawu of New Nigerian Newspapers emerged vice chairman unopposed.
Speaking after his election, Oyewole said his victory was not a personal triumph but a responsibility entrusted to him by members of the chapel, particularly senior colleagues in the journalism profession.
He attributed his emergence to the desire of members to make a difference in the leadership of the chapel, acknowledging the enormous challenges ahead in delivering quality representation and building a stronger union.
Oyewole assured members that the new leadership would work with God and the support of members to achieve its objectives.
Addressing his co-contestants, he said the election had produced new leaders but not winners and losers, stressing that all members remained winners.
"I know this election has produced new leaders, but it has not produced winners and losers. We are all winners. In this spirit, I extend my hand of fellowship to embrace my big brother, Samuel Luka, and every other contestant.
"Let us build this chapel to the best of our ability for generations to come. The campaign might have divided our choices, but it must not divide our fraternity. The unity that has been built by our elders must not be destroyed," he said.
Oyewole also pledged that his administration would prioritise fairness, transparency, welfare and professional development of members.
"During the campaign, we promised to be just, fair and transparent and to improve the welfare of our colleagues. Most importantly, we promised hands-on training that will improve our professional skills," he said.
He urged members to hold the new leadership accountable for its campaign promises, saying the administration would move from promises to opportunities and from individual struggles to collective progress.
"We shall move from promises to opportunities, from individual struggle to collective progress. As we have promised you, we will eliminate divisive tendencies and embrace unity.
"We will work to ensure that every correspondent conducts his or her constitutional duties without fear. As promised, we will leverage partnerships with relevant organisations to bring real development.
"I did not ask you to elect me so that I could lead you alone. I asked you to elect me so that together we can build a professional union where no member is left behind because they lacked information, connection or opportunity.
"The election has ended. The work begins today. Let's build the chapel we all can be proud of," Oyewole added.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Isa Garba Gadau, charged the new leadership to carry every member along and avoid sentiments or divisive tendencies.
"So nobody should be left behind. This is necessary. You should carry everybody along. Don’t allow any sentiment or any form of division to divide this house," Gadau said.
He also urged the new executives to utilise the experience and guidance of senior members of the chapel and council.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral/Credentials Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed of Media Trust, commended the state council for its support towards the smooth and successful conduct of the election.
Mohammed, who is also the immediate past chairman of the chapel, said the contest was keenly fought but maintained that there was no winner or loser, as all members remained committed to the progress of the chapel.
"All of us, our goal is to see the progress and development of this chapel. So we are one. I am appealing in the name of God and in the interest of peace and progress of the chapel, after this election, please let’s continue to move as one family.
"Election is over, and election cannot divide us. I believe we have a bond of relationship among us," he said.
Announcing the results, Ahmed Mohammed said five positions were contested, while two out of five were unopposed.
In the chairmanship contest, Oyewole of The Guardian polled 18 votes to defeat Samuel Luka of Daily Times, who scored 16 votes.
Oyewole was consequently declared the new chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel for a three-year tenure.
For the office of treasurer, Adamu Shehu Imam of Trust TV defeated Sahid Aiyinde Olade of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), scoring 18 votes against Olade’s 16; secretary, Muhammad Nasiru Shuaibu of Telegraph Newspapers defeated Armstrong Bakam of Arise Television, polling 20 votes against Bakam’s 14.
The unopposed positions are Vice chairman Muhammad Kawu of NNN and David Adenuga of The Nation as Auditor.
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