Admin I Wednesday, June 04, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra State has officially distanced itself from the Dr. Emeka Odogwu-led executive in the state, stating that it can no longer tolerate the chairman’s impudent rascality.
Following its June general meeting, the union issued a communique signed by David Eleke (Chairman), Nwanosike Onu (Member), Tony Okafor (Member), Obinna Unaeze (Member), and Emma Elekwa (Secretary), declaring that it would no longer tolerate Odogwu’s impunity in undermining the chapel in the state.
The chapel explained that this dissociation was necessary to protect the union from the draconian, inhumane, and threat-laden environment prevailing within the Anambra State Council of the union, which has made it impossible for them to function effectively and safely.
The full communique reads as follows:”Endorsement of Leadership: The Anambra State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists hereby unanimously endorses the leadership of Chief Chuks Ilozue and the other members of his Executive Committee (EXCO),Dissociation from Anambra State Council: Due to the high-handedness, threats to life, and other unwholesome behaviors exhibited by Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of the Anambra Council, the leadership and members of the Anambra State Correspondents’ Chapel have collectively decided to disassociate themselves from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, effective immediately,Redirection of Obedience and Loyalty.
“From this point forward, our obedience and loyalty will be directed to the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, pending the cleansing of the Anambra State Council under Odogwu and its restoration to a state of order and decorum,Payment of Union Dues: We pledge to pay all fees due to the Union directly to the national body within a reasonable period, as practicable,Rationale for Dissociation.
This decision was necessitated by the need to protect ourselves from the draconian, inhumane, and threat-infested environment prevailing within the Anambra State Council, which has made it impossible for us to operate effectively and safely, Clarification on the Bus Donated by the Anambra State Government.
Regarding the bus donated to our chapel by the state government, which Odogwu is scheming to assign to Tochukwu Ifejika, his sister-in-law and Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Anambra State Chapter, for the purpose of running her union we wish to clarify that the bus remains intact and available.
“Our members have vehemently decided not to surrender the bus or any other property to Odogwu or anyone else for any reason. The bus will continue to be used solely for the purpose for which it was donated,enabling us collectively to attend government functions and other activities,Constitutional Rights.
“We note that Odogwu’s actions have left us no option but to invoke our constitutional rights, as enshrined in Section 40 (as amended) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to freedom of association and the choice to belong or not belong to any association,Peace Moves and Odogwu’s DSS Intervention: Previously, the Correspondents Chapel made genuine efforts to resolve this impasse, including consulting relevant stakeholders.
However, these attempts were thwarted and rebuffed by Odogwu, who unjustifiably involved the Department of State Services (DSS) against the chapel.
“Finally: We reiterate that associations, unions, and similar organizations are akin to matrimony; no one can be coerced into membership. This is our sincere position, and we stand firmly by it”
