By Emmanuel Uffot
Members of the Correspondents Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists ( NUJ) in Akwa Ibom State have elected new executives to pilot their affairs.
At the election which took place at their Secretariat off Udo Street Uyo, Comrade Anthony Bassey of the Nation Newspaper was elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the Chapel.
Other executives elected were, Comrades Isaiah Eka of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)- Vice Chairman, Udeme Utip of Tribune Newspaper- Secretary, Lovina Emole of National Ambassador- Assistant Secretary, Iniobong Ekponta of Leadership Newspaper- Treasurer and Emeka Samuel of the Nigerian Pilot was elected Financial Secretary.
Bassey who takes over from Comrade Idongesit Ashemeri of Daily Independent in his acceptance speech pledged to promote a united chapel, work towards improving the welfare of members and ensure all members were carried along in all activities of NUJ in the state to give them that sense of belonging.
The new Chairman who expressed gratitude to members and other stakeholders for supporting him, said transparency and accountability will be the watchword of his administration and promised to drive the chapel along the paths of ‘ peace, progress and prosperity ( PPP)’.
It could be recalled that prior to the election, Bassey had presented his manifesto anchored on 10-point Agenda to members of the Correspondent Chapel.
In his manifesto christened ‘ Looking at the Ground floor from the rooftop’ he reiterated on the new executives ensuring the unity of the chapel by not giving any preferential treatment to any member or group above others, giving premium to the welfare of members by consulting with critical stakeholders within and outside the chapel to generate funds to service the chapel and driving professionalism of members through capacity building which will involve training and retraining of members.
The new Chairman’s 10 point Agenda also included his intention to reactivate and upgrade the chapel’s website/ newsblog as well as ensuring 24 hour internet connectivity in the chapel.
Bassey says he will also interface with government, corporate organisations and security agencies to create cordial and working relationship.
Similarly, he said since the primary aim of the chapel is for the betterment of members welfare and professionalism, the new executive will work towards resuscitating the chapel’s Cooperative Society for the benefit of members.
Among those that were present at the election were, Mr Raphael Edem, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and Strategy, Margaret Moore, Vice- Chairman of Akwa Ibom State NUJ, Dominic Akpan, Secretary State NUJ and Nsibiet John, Chairman of Federated Chapel of NUJ in the state.
The newly elected chairman of Correspondent Chapel of NUJ in Akwa Ibom State is a tested hand in the chapel, which may have explained the confidence reposed on him by members to let him go unopposed.
He had previously served as Secretary of the chapel between 2014 and 2017. Until his election as the current Chairman, he was the Financial Secretary of the chapel for two terms.
Professionally, Bassey who has put in over 15 years in the pen profession has worked in several media houses which include the Nigerian Compass Newspaper, Newswatch, Abuja based Authority Newspaper and now correspondent of the Nation Newspaper.
He told Scroll that he has already hit the ground running to ensure he implements his Pre- election 10- point Agenda.
