By Ishaq Haruna Hardawa
The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, commended the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the development of the union.
The SEC Members appreciated the tireless efforts of the immediate past Chairman in convincing the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed to approve the remodeling of the NUJ Secretariat which is in progress.
Speaking during the formal handover, Comrade Umar Sa’idu disclosed that he was leaving nearly ₦2 million in the union’s coffers for the new leadership, compared to the ₦14,000 he inherited when he assumed office in 2020.
He said his administration had planned a colourful handover ceremony, which he described as the first of its kind in the history of the NUJ Bauchi State Council.
Comrade Sa’idu explained that the handover documents included two large bags containing NUJ records and documents, two Peugeot 406 cars, two Hummer buses and other properties belonging to the union.
The former chairman also commended the Bauchi State Government for remodelling the NUJ Press Centre to meet contemporary needs, describing the project as the outcome of six years of continued efforts by his administration, saying the projects consist of shops, 500 seater hall to improve the revenue base of the Council.
He expressed concern over calls by some members of the union who are not happy with the outcome of the just concluded election that an investigation should be launched into the contract.
The former Chairman argued that NUJ members were not involved in the contract award process or the determination of its implementation modalities.
He cautioned members against actions that could undermine the union’s credibility or create unnecessary tension between the NUJ and the state government, which he reaffirmed solely financed the project.
Comrade Sa’idu urged members to separate personal grievances from union affairs and avoid actions capable of damaging the hard-earned reputation of the NUJ.
He emphasised that every member had the right to support and vote for any candidate of their choice but stressed that political differences should be managed with mutual respect and dignity, noting that the union was bigger than any individual.
The former chairman assured members that he would continue to offer advice and other contributions aimed at advancing the progress of the union and improving the welfare of its members.
In his remarks, the Chairman NUJ, Bauchi State Council, Comrade Isah Garba Gadau, thanked members for the confidence reposed in the new leadership and assured commitment to moving the union forward.
Comrade Gadau who also commended the immediate past chairman for his dedication, commitment and outstanding contributions to the union during his six years tenure, assured SEC members that his administration would remain open to constructive criticism and advice capable of taking the union to greater heights.
The chairman further urged members to bring forward issues requiring discussion rather than withholding concerns that could affect the effective administration of the union.
Highlights of the meeting include updates on the remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat, second-phase report of the Auction Committee, Petition submitted by the Ahmad/Muazu Campaign Council concerning the recently concluded NUJ Bauchi State Council election, Condolence and sympathy visits to members, among other matters.