NUJ Zone B Calls for End to EFCC Investigation of Ogun Council Officials

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has issued a formal demand for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to cease what it characterizes as the harassment and intimidation of officials within its Ogun State Council. The demand was formalized in a communiqué released following a Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held at the Lagos State Council Secretariat.

Details of the Allegations

According to the communiqué, which was signed by Zone B Vice-President Princess Ronke Afebioye-Samo and Zonal Secretary Abdulrazak Alege, Ogun State Council officials have cooperated extensively with the commission. The union claims that its leaders have honored invitations from the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Office on approximately 25 occasions, providing access to financial records and responding to inquiries.

The union expressed significant concern regarding the conduct of the investigation, alleging that it is being handled with bias. Specifically, the NUJ identified an officer, Bashir, who leads the Economic Governance Unit, alleging that he claimed to have finalized his preliminary report before conducting an interview with the Ogun NUJ Chairman.

Jurisdictional and Procedural Concerns

Beyond the allegations of bias, the NUJ raised questions regarding the legal jurisdiction of the investigation. The ZEC argued that Ogun State falls under the operational purview of the EFCC’s Lagos II Zonal Directorate, rather than the Ibadan office currently handling the case. Furthermore, the union cast doubt on the credibility of the original petitioners, alleging that some are individuals previously suspended by the NUJ National Executive Council for anti-union activities, while others are not members of the organization at all.

The union emphasized its nature as a professional and labor organization rather than a financial institution or government agency. It stated that its operations are funded through voluntary contributions and support, rather than commercial contracts or government procurement.

Call for Institutional Intervention

The NUJ has called upon the leadership of the EFCC to intervene in the matter to ensure an impartial investigation. The union maintained that while no individual or organization is above the law, any allegations of wrongdoing should be pursued through appropriate, evidence-based legal channels that respect fundamental human rights.

The ZEC reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected Ogun State officials and pledged to utilize institutional and legal avenues to protect its members from what it described as unlawful victimization. As of the time of the report, the EFCC has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.

Broader Union Directives

In addition to the EFCC matter, the ZEC meeting addressed broader regional concerns. The union urged federal and state governments to prioritize the rehabilitation of deteriorating road infrastructure across the South-West to improve safety. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the NUJ also directed its state councils to conduct training on the Code of Election Coverage, emphasizing the necessity for journalists to maintain objectivity and impartiality in their reporting.

The meeting concluded with a commendation for the outgoing Lagos NUJ leadership for their six years of service, as the council prepared for its scheduled leadership transition.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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