The National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has scheduled December 13, 2024, for ruling on a motion seeking to halt the National Elections of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The elections are part of the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference, slated for November 27, 2024, in Owerri, Imo State.
The legal challenge was initiated by Abdulwaheed Adubi, who argued that the tenure of the current NUJ leadership ended on October 6, 2024.
During the Wednesday proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Olufunke Anuwe, refused to issue an intermediate injunction, emphasizing that the court would address the matter on the set date.
“This matter is adjourned to December 13, 2024, for ruling on the application for injunction,” Justice Anuwe stated, rejecting all efforts by the claimant to secure immediate court intervention.
Counsel to the defendants, Patrick Ediale, contested the validity of the claimant’s arguments.
He highlighted that the National Executive Committee, which the injunction sought to restrain, does not exist in the NUJ Constitution.
Instead, the constitution recognizes the National Executive Council, Central Working Committee, and Credential Committee, none of which were made parties to the suit.
Ediale also questioned the claimant’s membership in the NUJ, noting that the publication Adubi claimed to represent, Money Central Newspapers, lacks an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
“The claimant failed to utilize the internal mechanisms for resolving disputes as outlined in Article 7 (vi) (a) & (b) of the NUJ constitution,” Ediale added, arguing that granting the injunction would cause unnecessary disruption to the union’s activities.
Following the court’s decision, NUJ President Chris Isiguzo expressed gratitude, reaffirming the union’s readiness to proceed with the November 27 conference.
“There is no court order stopping our election. Let nobody be deceived by rumors on social media claiming otherwise. Those are falsehoods meant to mislead,” Isiguzo said.
He urged delegates to prepare for the conference, assuring them of a well-organized and successful event.
The upcoming ruling on December 13 will determine the outcome of the legal challenge, but for now, the NUJ appears poised to carry on with its scheduled election activities.