The rift between the leadership of the Nigeria Union of
Journalists, NUJ and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN in Oyo
State is far from being over.
With SWAN becoming acutely divided, the association now has
two different executive councils, one led by Niyi Alebiosu of the Nigerian
Tribune and the other led by Olaolu Fawole of the Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria.
In the heat of the rift, a matter between journalists became
a police matter and later a matter for the court of law! Opinions have since
become divided over which of the two SWAN leadership committees is authentic.
While some journalists affirm that the Alebiosu-led exco of SWAN has till
September to hand over, the Fawole exco was inaugurated after an election that was
held in February, 2019.
Adewale Tijani, one of the most vocal members of the
association has not kept quiet over the issue. As of the time of filing this
report, he was appearing before a disciplinary committee, constituted by the leadership
of the NUJ. One of the write-ups he posted on his Facebook profile is shared below:
Joining a Union is voluntary and being a member of an association is
also voluntary. Do they think the Nigerian police are stupid? Why are Oyo NUJ
leaders violating the rights and freedom of their members? Who are they to tell
adult members where to go and not to go?
The police passed a
verdict telling all warring parties in the Oyo SWAN crisis (aggravated by Oyo
NUJ leadership) to settle their rift amicably,
But the Oyo NUJ backed
group are not satisfied with the decision and took the industrial matter to
Customary Court. And since they have taken the matter to court, what rights do
they have again to threaten any individual or group who choose to associate
with anyone he likes?
And what right do they
have to pre-empt the court?
Calling a duly elected
SWAN Chairman, when the Congress that elected him still give him a strong
backing, an impostor is defamatory and Oyo NUJ leaders should stop insulting
us.
All the illegalities
they encourage by celebrating non journalists call for sanctions. Seriously
someone somewhere needs to call them to order.
The leadership of the
Oyo NUJ go around claiming they don't know anything about SWAN crisis but they
are the one coming out with ridiculous decisions and verdicts against a more
popular and acceptable group.
That they are backing
some fake journalists and hotel Manager is disrespectful and downgrading. That
such even find his way into NUJ communique drafting committee is nothing but
shameful. The NUJ leadership have lowered the values of the noble profession.
If I may ask, what is
the vision of this so called NUJ leadership in Oyo state? Is it not to promote
the integrity of individual members and the Union? But rather they are
promoting the culture of impunity, nepotism and self centredness .
It is appalling that
those who begged to be voted into office, those who promised housing scheme and
many more and yet to fulfill a single campaign promise, are now dissipating
their energy on fighting a man who is miles above them, more refined and
intellectually sound than they are, a man whose charisma makes him an enigma.
Seriously I wish they
have access to this. Yoruba ni ‘bo ba laya ko se ika, bo ba ranti iku Basorun Gaa
ko se ooto’ (if you are bold, perpetrate evil, but if you remember Basorun Gaa,
be truthful). But these leaders have so much compromised standards. I am so
ashamed of them. I am not a prolific writer but I am sure this is not what a
leader should stand for. A father who is naturally a leader should mediate over
issues and not to be seen supporting one at the expense of others. I am from
Lagos and can beat my chest that this impunity and illegality can never stand.
Ojo n bo loluwa wi. Bi omode ba n ge igi ni igbo, Eyin agba toto e bawa pari e
(The day cometh, says the Lord. If a child is cutting a tree in the bush, the
elders will know where it will fall).
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