By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
The Benue State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has finally resolved its over two years internal leadership dispute, following the passionate appeal by Mr. Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Media and Publicity Strategy.
Mr Iorpev who said his principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia is very interested in seeing NUJ one strong body, highlighted the importance of unity among journalists which includes their welfare.
He emphasized the need for journalists to come together and resolve internal disputes that have hindered progress and recognition in the State, emphasizing that unity is vital for the future of journalism in the State.
According to him, the union has missed opportunities due to its inability to come together as a group, explaining that a situation where journalists engage in legal tussles to the detriment of the profession does not speak well of the union.
The Vice President of Zone D, NUJ, Mr. Kris Atsaka, and Mrs. Nancy Orshi, an Ex Officio, expressed gratitude to Mr. Iorpev for his initiative in bringing back the state NUJ to its feet.
They mentioned that Benue has missed out on numerous opportunities during the crisis, but now, with internal disputes resolved, they are optimistic about a positive turnaround.
To ensure a smooth and fair process, a 7-member Committee was inaugurated and given the responsibility of conducting the State NUJ election in three months.
Mr. Vincent Nyinongu of the State Information Chapel was appointed as the Committee’s Chairman, while Terhemen Ater of Radio Benue was appointed Secretary of the Committee.
Others committee members include, Grace Ochepa of the NTA, Emmanuel Atswen from the Correspondents Chapel, Ene Ohaba Injua from Radio Nigeria, Manasseh Anonguachia from Benue Television and Terfa Baja of the Voice Newspaper Chapel.
The Committee Chairman in his speech, expressed gratitude to the mediators of the peace process and thanked the Governor of Benue State, Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and Technical Adviser Solomon Iorpev, assuring the congress that he would do his best to conduct credible, fair and transparently elections.
