Court refuses injunction to halt NUJ elections, leaves fate uncertain

Admin I Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has scheduled a ruling on December 13, 2024, regarding a legal challenge to the National Elections of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The NUJ plans to hold its 8th triennial delegates conference on November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State.

Abdulwaheed Adubi filed a suit in the National Industrial Court seeking to halt the elections, arguing that the tenure of the current NUJ leadership expired on October 6, 2024.

However, during the hearing on Adubi’s request for an injunction to prevent the national leadership from proceeding with the elections, Justice Olufunke Anuwe declined to grant an interim injunction against the defendants.

Instead, she adjourned the case to December 13 for a ruling.

Justice Anuwe stated, “This matter is adjourned to December 13, 2024, for ruling on the application for an injunction,” while rejecting the applicant’s attempts to secure a temporary court order.

The defendants’ counsel, Patrick Ediale, argued that the National Executive Committee, which the plaintiff sought to restrain, is not recognized by the NUJ Constitution.

Ediale clarified that the constitution establishes the National Executive Council, and other bodies mentioned by Adubi, such as the Central Working Committee and the Credential Committee, are also defined in the constitution but were not included in Adubi’s suit.

He emphasized that the court cannot issue an order against parties that are not before it and cannot grant an interim injunction when the court’s jurisdiction over the claims is being contested.

In his affidavit, the defense counsel contended that Mr. Adubi, who claims to work for Money Central Newspapers, is not a legitimate member of the NUJ because that publication lacks an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) and, therefore, does not exist.

Ediale stated, “There would be more justice in refusing this application since the claimant did not exhaust any internal mechanisms for resolving conflicts as mandated by Article 7 (vi) (a) & (b) of the union’s constitution.

According to NUJ’s constitution, only if the Central Working Committee is dissolved can the state council chairpersons and secretaries take control of the union’s affairs.”

On the other hand, Barrister Sarafa Yusuff, representing the claimant, urged the court to grant a temporary order to prevent the NUJ from holding its elections the following week.

In response to the court proceedings, NUJ President Chris Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the court for refusing to cave in to the claimant’s pressures for an interim order.

He confirmed that the union is clear to proceed with its triennial delegates conference as scheduled.
Isiguzo urged delegates to prepare for the upcoming event in Owerri, assuring them that all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth conference.

He emphasized, “Let no one be deceived by the misinformation spreading on social media that the election has been postponed. That is fake news.

“We are fully aware of the impact fake news has on our media industry, and our people should ignore it and get ready for our event next week.”