The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has begun preparations for its next leadership election with the constitution of a five-member Credentials Committee.
The committee was announced at the council's August Congress in Lagos, putting the internal election process formally in motion as members prepare to choose new leaders.
The five members are Wahab Akinlade of Radio Nigeria, Abraham Akpabio of the Correspondents Chapel, Oluwakemi Shitta-Bey of the Federal Information Chapel, Bayo Akomolafe of New Telegraph and Olatunde Ekundayo of the Lagos Information Chapel.
Akinlade is to chair the committee.
The move is significant because the committee will be responsible for a process in which questions about eligibility, delegates and the conduct of the election can determine who is allowed to contest and vote.
What does the NUJ Constitution require?
The NUJ Constitution available on the union's website provides for a Credentials Committee and says its members must be financially up to date and must not intend to contest the election in question.
It also requires the committee to operate independently of the union's national and state officers.
The Lagos announcement says the five members were "nominated by members in accordance with the guidelines enshrined in the NUJ Constitution".
Why the committee matters
The committee's job goes beyond fixing an election date.
Who is eligible to contest?
The announcement does not yet identify prospective candidates or set out the eligibility requirements, nomination fees, timetable or voting arrangements.
Akinlade promises impartial process
Accepting his appointment, Akinlade described it as a "rare privilege" and said the committee would protect the integrity of the process.
"I am deeply honoured to accept this responsibility as Chairman of the Electoral Committee for this election. I sincerely appreciate the confidence reposed in me and the opportunity to serve our great Union at this important moment.
"I assure you that the Electoral Committee will discharge its duties with fairness, transparency, impartiality and integrity. Our commitment is to ensure that every eligible member is given a level playing field and that the will of the electorate is respected.
"I, therefore, appeal to all contestants and delegates to conduct themselves with maturity, discipline and the spirit of sportsmanship.
"Let us remember that, beyond the election, we remain members of one professional family with a shared responsibility to strengthen the NUJ."
The NUJ Lagos chairman, Adderley Ajayi, similarly urged the committee to remain impartial and operate within the union's Constitution.
