By Toyeeb Omotayo
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Ibadan Division, has struck out a lawsuit challenging the conduct of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) election held on July 31, 2024.
The suit, marked NICN/IL/08/2024, was filed by Fadeyi Babajide of Federal Information Chapel and Saka Laaro of Correspondents’ Chapel. The claimants had alleged irregularities in the re-election of the incumbent chairman, Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed.
Among the issues raised were allegations of manipulation of the delegate list, the use of an open ballot system in violation of NUJ constitutional provisions, disenfranchisement of members, and the inclusion of unqualified individuals in the voting process.
During proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Barrister M.A. Bello, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the claimants had voluntarily withdrawn from the matter and were no longer interested in pursuing it.
However, counsel to the petitioners, Barrister B.D. Asanam, contended that the withdrawal should not automatically bring an end to the case, as his clients were acting on behalf of a larger group of aggrieved members. He also informed the court of pending applications seeking to join additional parties to the suit.
In his ruling, Justice J.D. Peter held that the petitioners’ voluntary withdrawal meant the case could no longer continue. He further stated that all pending applications had become irrelevant, as the primary petitioners were no longer interested in pursuing the matter.
The judge, however, clarified that other aggrieved parties still had the legal right to initiate a fresh action if they wished to challenge the election.
Following the withdrawal, the court awarded ₦100,000 in costs to each of the seven respondents for wasting judicial time.
The respondents in the suit included:
Chris Isiguzo, former NUJ National President
Chris Atsaka, former Vice President (North Central)
Achike Chude, National Secretary
Abdullateef ‘Lanre Ahmed, Kwara NUJ Chairman
Abdulhamid Gbadamosi Alaye, Kwara Election Chairman
Sulyman Bolaji Gobir, Kwara Election Secretary
Meanwhile, the petitioners and other aggrieved NUJ members have called for calm among their supporters, stating that they are reviewing the judgment and consulting with their legal team to determine their next steps.
They maintained that their legal action was not just about the immediate case but about ensuring transparency and fairness in future NUJ elections.
“It is important that when such irregularities occur, they are challenged in the interest of justice and to uphold the integrity of the journalism profession,” the petitioners stated.
