The National President ,
Nigeria Union of Journalists.
Dear Sir,
Petition Concerning the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano Chapter Electoral Committee
I am writing to express grave concerns regarding the conduct of the Electoral Committee assigned to oversee the upcoming elections of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kano Chapter. We believe that the issues outlined below require the urgent attention and intervention of the
National Body of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
1. Questionable Membership of the Electoral Chairperson: It has come to our attention that the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee is not an official member of the NUJ or NAWOJ, as the agency where she works, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has constitutionally been removed from the membership of the NUJ. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of her position and the overall credibility of the electoral process under her leadership.
2. Exorbitant Fees for Nomination Forms: The Electoral Committee has set an unreasonably high fee for the purchase of nomination forms. The form for the office of the NAWOJ Kano Chapter Chairperson is priced at one hundred thousand naira, while the form for the least office is priced at sixty thousand naira. This is in stark contrast to the recent NUJ Kano State Chapter elections, where a consensus was reached, and the nomination form for the office of Chairman was sold for sixty thousand naira, with the least office priced at thirty thousand naira. Such high fees could discourage potential candidates from participating in the election.
3. Apparent Bias of the Electoral Committee members: There is a growing concern that some of the members of the Electoral Committee have shown clear favoritism towards certain individuals who have expressed interest in contesting for various positions. This bias undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality that are essential for a credible election.
4. Overlooking Eligibility Criteria for Contestants: It has also been observed that some eligibility criteria for contestants will be overlooked by the Electoral Committee. This lack of adherence to established rules could result in the election of candidates who do not meet the necessary qualifications, further compromising the integrity of the election.
In light of these serious concerns, we respectfully request the intervention of the National Body of the NUJ, to which NAWOJ is answerable. It is crucial that these issues are addressed promptly to uphold the integrity of the journalism profession and the union as a whole.
We trust that you will give this petition the urgent consideration it deserves and take appropriate action to ensure a fair, transparent, and credible election for the NAWOJ Kano Chapter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
E-Sign Rukayya Umar
Member, NAWOJ Kano State Council.
Cc:
– The Commissioner for Information, Kano state
Baba Halilu Dantiye
MNI MON .
– The Commissioner for Justice Kano State
Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi.
– The Commissioner of Police Kano State Command.
– The Director General Media and Publicity,
Government House Kano.
– The National Chairperson, NAWOJ .
– The Vice Chairperson Nawoj Zone A
– The Chairman, NUJ,
Kano State Council.
