NUJ Election: We need to do better as a union – Dr. Akinreti

Surely one day, NUJ will be free from the clutches of backwardness.

It is absolutely ridiculous paying into private account in the century and age, when a corporate account for the union exist.

It is my humble opinion that the National credentials committee should submit a budget for the election and the secretariat release the funds as appropriate.

For the records, I paid my nomination fee into the union account at Eco bank plc Alausa Ikeja, during the last Lagos State Council election.

The payment slip was sent to the credentials committee.

I ensured the credentials committee submitted a budget which was debated and funds approved.

I turned down further request for funds and the rest is history.

It is really sad, that the NUJ cannot set good standards or best practices for others to follow.

Now NUJ elective positions are for the highest bidders.

The jury is now out, candidates for the next national election will pay to be elected far above their salaries, despite the fact that some media organisations are not paying salaries as at when due.

What morality do we have to challenge the shenigans of the political class?.

We all owe it a duty to redefine and sanitise this great union from the path of perfidy.

I have benefitted from the profession and the union greatly in my career progression.

For me, I will contribute my quota to the greatness of the Journalism profession and the union in all strata.

Let the candidates know for fact, their past and present will be subjected to scrutiny at the appropriate time.

Dr Qasim Akinreti
Deputy Director Digital Media,
Voice of Nigeria.
Former Chairman,
NUJ Lagos State Council.