Bauchi NUJ: The Need for National Executive Council’s Intervention -By Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan

The 19th September 2026 election of the Nigeria union of Journalists Bauchi state council will remain one of the kingly contested election in the history of the union, the circumstances that eminent during, after the election which polarized the members of the union is what motivates me to call the attention of the NUJ national body to duly intervene with a view to resolve the matter amicable in the best interest of the union.

Barely one month after the inauguration of a new leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, fresh controversy has erupted within the union following allegations that its immediate past Chairman, Umar Saeed, has yet to formally hand over the council’s affairs to his successor.
The development has triggered concerns over accountability, constitutional compliance and leadership responsibility,.

Ultimately to demanding urgent intervention by the national and zonal leadership of the union to prevent further deterioration of confidence among members, the situation has created unnecessary tension within the union at a time when members expect the new leadership to promote reconciliation, transparency and accountability.

Nevertheless failure of an outgoing leadership to conduct a proper handover, where established procedures require it, raises serious questions about respect for the union’s constitution and the mandate given to the newly elected executives. Leadership is temporary, and every outgoing administration has a responsibility to ensure an orderly transition.

A proper handover involves transferring official documents, financial records, administrative files, union property, and information about ongoing projects. These materials are necessary for the new leadership to understand the union’s position and effectively discharge its responsibilities.
Of particular concern is the financial status of the union. The outgoing executives should provide a comprehensive account of income, expenditure, bank balances, outstanding liabilities, and other financial transactions during their tenure. Transparency in financial matters is essential to protecting members’ interests.

The constitutional provision in article 4 (a) The funds and property of all tiers of the union shall be the property of national Secretariat and it shall have the right to institute legal proceeding to recover any money due to the union or other property owned by the union.

Consequently, the immediate past administration led by Umar Sa’idu have so many questions to answer regarding the funds allegedly realised from the auction of union properties during the tenure of the immediate past administration, the clarification on the management and expenditure of the ₦5 million reportedly donated to the union towards the conduct of its recent general election.

The current executive members have reportedly stated that they purchased their nomination forms with their own money, making it necessary to clarify how the funds were utilised.
Practising Fees and Receipts: Tellers and receipts should be provided for those who paid their practising fees into the NUJ’s dedicated account as it started clearly in article 4(b) Check off/practicing fee of the union shall be allocated as follows Chapel 20%,State council 25% and zonal office 10% where as national Secretariat 35% and Najeriya labour congress 10%.

The union’s assets and ongoing projects must also be properly accounted for. Where construction projects, contracts, or other financial commitments exist, relevant documents and records should be made available to the incoming administration to ensure continuity and prevent unnecessary disputes.

The newly elected executives should not be placed in a position where their ability to perform their duties is hindered by the absence of essential records or been control by a dictator. Respecting the outcome of an election should go hand in hand with facilitating the effective assumption of office by those elected.

In view of these concerns, the National Executive Council of the NUJ should intervene, where necessary and within its constitutional authority, to ensure that the handover process is completed in accordance with the union’s rules. Such intervention would help prevent further disagreements and protect the integrity of the Bauchi State Council.

The national leadership should also ensure that any allegations of financial mismanagement, withholding of union property, or failure to transfer official records are investigated fairly. All parties should be given the opportunity to present their positions, and any necessary corrective measures should follow established procedures.

The NUJ is an organisation that promotes accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic principles. These values must be reflected in its internal administration. Outgoing and incoming executives should put aside personal differences and prioritise the collective interests of journalists in Bauchi State.

Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan wrote from Bauchi, adamugarba0079@gmail.com