- Council Says Association Has No Affiliation With NUJ, Directs Members To Stay Away From Its Activities
By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, has declared that the Association of Imo State-Based Journalists (AIBJ) is not recognised by the union, warning journalists in the state against participating in its activities.
The Imo NUJ, in a statement issued by the council, said AIBJ is neither recognised, registered nor affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, stressing that the association does not represent the union or operate under its authority.
The council also cautioned NUJ members against identifying with, participating in or supporting activities organised by AIBJ, warning that members who violate the directive could face disciplinary action in line with the union’s rules.
The development comes amid growing attention surrounding AIBJ, which recently constituted a new executive led by Comrade Kelechi Ugo as chairman following an election held in Owerri.
The NUJ urged practitioners in Imo State to disregard any claim suggesting that AIBJ has official recognition or affiliation with the union, reaffirming its position as the recognised professional body representing journalists under its constitutional structure.
The council further warned members against allowing their names, positions or NUJ affiliations to be used in connection with activities of organisations that have not received the union’s recognition.
The latest directive draws a clear institutional distinction between the Imo NUJ and AIBJ and could have disciplinary implications for NUJ members who disregard the council’s directive.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no response from the leadership of AIBJ to the latest position announced by the Imo NUJ.
