Nasarawa Information Commissioner Denies Interference Claims in NUJ Chairmanship Election
By Roseline Okafor, Lafia
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Nasarawa State, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, has denied allegations that he pressured ministry staff during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) chairmanship election held in Lafia.
The election, conducted on 20 July, saw journalists across the state elect a new executive that will lead the union for the next three years.
Juliana Ofoku Wins Tight Chairmanship Contest
Three candidates contested the NUJ chairmanship election:
Mrs. Juliana Ofoku of the Information Chapel
Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) Chapel
Sunday John of the Correspondents’ Chapel
At the end of the voting, Juliana Ofoku emerged victorious with 96 votes, defeating Samson Jonah, who secured 89 votes, while Sunday John polled 61 votes.
The closely contested election attracted widespread interest among journalists in the state.
Allegations of Staff Intimidation Emerge
Shortly after the declaration of results, allegations surfaced from some journalists who claimed that staff members of the Ministry of Information were subjected to intimidation during the election.
Several journalists, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that a senior director from the ministry was present at the polling venue and acted as an agent for the eventual winner, monitoring ministry staff to ensure they voted in her favour.
Some of the anonymous sources also alleged that the Commissioner for Information instructed directors and senior officials within the ministry to mobilise support for Mrs. Ofoku.
They further expressed concern that officials from the Ministry of Information now occupy several strategic NUJ positions, including Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor.
Commissioner Rejects Allegations
Responding to the allegations, Dr. Ibrahim Tanko dismissed the claims, denying any involvement in influencing the election or intimidating staff members.
The commissioner maintained that he neither interfered in the electoral process nor directed ministry officials to support any candidate.
No independent evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate the allegations, and the claims remain disputed.
Opponents Accept Election Outcome
Despite the controversy, the defeated chairmanship candidates, Samson Jonah and Sunday John, congratulated Mrs. Juliana Ofoku on her victory.
Both candidates expressed appreciation to their supporters for their commitment throughout the campaign and urged them to accept the outcome of the election peacefully and in good faith.
They also called for unity among members of the NUJ, stressing the importance of working together to advance the welfare of journalists and strengthen the union in Nasarawa State.
New Executive to Lead NUJ for Three Years
The newly elected executive committee is expected to oversee the affairs of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for the next three years.
Members have expressed hope that the new leadership will prioritise journalists’ welfare, professional ethics, press freedom and the overall development of the union.
