Funke Busari, Lagos
The National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, NAJUC, Ikeja Branch has elected new executive officers who will drive the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The elected new officers who were sworn-in on Friday at the association’s Press Centre within the premises of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja are Wahab Akinlade of Radio Nigeria as Chairman, Mojirola Eniola of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as Vice-Chairman and Yetunde Ojo of the Guardian newspaper as General Secretary.
Other elected officers are Stephen Aya of ThisDay as the Treasurer and Ayo Olalere of News Xpress as the Financial Secretary.
The swearing-in and oath taking was conducted by Mr. Wahab Abdullahi, a legal practitioner, who used the opportunity to advice the executives to carry everyone along in the association.
He also thanked the electoral committee for being able to hold the election despite all odds.
The executives were unanimously elected by members present during the election which replaced Mr. Henry Ojelu-led executive which tenure elapsed on October 3, 2021.
Speaking after the election, the new chairman, Mr. Akinlade pledged that his administration will ensure transparency in the runnings of the association.
He also emphasised the need for all members to work together as he stated that there are some issues on ground that needs to be corrected.
“There will be no personal briefs. We shall work together and enjoy together. I encourage everybody to show some commitment by going to court regularly. It is when we show active reporting that people will take us seriously. I say no to selective invitation, we will work together in unity. I will be transparent and accountable at all time. No need to talk of personal briefs. Let’s work together as one big family.”
He said he is proposing stipends for members who are active in coming to court to feed others with reports.
“We will bring to the floor policy that will unite all of us.”
Aligning with the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, Eniola called for synergy, feedback and criticism from members.
She complained that there was backbiting in the past because there was no transparency.
According to her, “Basically, it’s a partnership, we are here to serve not to Lord over you. Speak up your mind and let us discuss it together. There should be constructive criticism.
“We will be accountable in all areas and we will work with the constitution. Every meeting, finance will be discussed, no matter how small. We have to tighten our belt to be financially buoyant.”
Ayo Olalere said, “The strong will carry the week, every member will benefit from this exco and I look forward to a good working relationship with all.”
