The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Imo State Council, will on November 25, 2026 mark the second anniversary of the favorable court judgment it secured against persons who allegedly attempted to fraudulently sell the Union’s expansive legacy secretariat located along Port Harcourt Road Owerri, as well as the recovery of the Union from impostors parading as journalists.
Recall that some members of the NUJ conspired with some disgruntled elements to sell the Imo NUJ Secretariat without the knowledge, consent and approval of the Union and its relevant stakeholders.
Sequel to the attendant legal battle, the union scuttled the transaction and recovered the property from the alleged culprits. The union also vowed to decisively address what it described as injustice and unbridled impunity by those involved.
According to a release issued by the NUJ to that effect, “It was a period when members of the Imo NUJ demonstrated solidarity, professionalism and commitment to the fundamental principles of journalism, including the pursuit of justice, defence of truth and opposition to corruption.
With legal representation provided by a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney-General of Imo State, Prof. Francis Dike, the matter was eventually decided in favour of the Imo NUJ on November 25, 2024”.
According to a press release signed by the Secretary of Imo NUJ, Comrade Ori Martins, “the opposing parties did not appeal the judgment, thereby allowing the decision of the court to stand.
In delivering the judgment, the High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Ononaeze Madu, nullified actions purportedly taken on behalf of the Imo NUJ by Chris Akaraonye, in concert with Chris Isiguzo, the former National President, Juliet Dim, Innocent Igwe and others.
The Union further stated that the judgment rendered the purported election and re-election of Ifeanyi Nwanguma, as well as actions allegedly taken by him as Imo NUJ Chairman, null and void.
Against this backdrop, members of the Imo NUJ under the Integrity Group have resolved to commemorate November 25 every year as the day justice was delivered and the NUJ Secretariat was recovered and secured.
The group described the occasion as a victory for the Imo NUJ and a reminder of the importance of unity, integrity, accountability and adherence to the rule of law in the affairs of the Union.
The group also vowed to pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that anyone found responsible for the destruction or unlawful damage of Union property is held accountable”.
