The Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to honour a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Prof. Francis Dike; the pioneer Chairman of Imo NUJ, Chief Ben Osuagwu; and Dr. Chris Anyanwu, a former Commissioner for Information in the state.
The State Chairman of the union, Comrade Precious Nwadike, disclosed this during a special congress held at the union’s secretariat along Port Harcourt Road.
Nwadike said the personalities would be honoured for their roles in the acquisition of the secretariat and their contributions toward its recovery from individuals who allegedly attempted to sell the property to a former governor through a proxy.
“While Prof. Dike was the lead counsel who secured victory for the NUJ against the company that attempted to acquire the property through the back door, Dr. Chris Anyanwu, as Commissioner for Information under the then Tanko Zubairu administration, facilitated the donation of the property to the Imo NUJ. Chief Ben Osuagwu, as Chairman of the NUJ in Imo State at the time, played a cardinal role in acquiring and safeguarding the property for the union,” he said.
Nwadike lamented that shortly after Osuagwu’s tenure, aside from a few members of the executive, others were allegedly more concerned with personal aggrandizement than contributing to the union’s growth and development.
He alleged that the Chris Akaraonye-led executive conspired with a former National Chairman, Chris Isiguzo, to sell the union’s secretariat and convert the proceeds to personal use.
The Imo NUJ Chairman commended members of the union for their efforts and contributions that led to the recovery of the secretariat, noting that those who supported the legal battle—which lasted three years—remain heroes and heroines.
“All those who fought for the recovery of the Imo NUJ secretariat and the dignity of the journalism profession have written their names in the hall of fame.
Their efforts will not be forgotten. I urge you to remain focused and resolute in your commitment to justice, equity, and fairness, regardless of whose ox is gored,” he added.
