—as Tonye Yemolegha charges journalists to promote professional conduct
From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The United Correspondent Chapel Of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council has elected new Executive members with Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare as Chairman.
The election was conducted on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 at the Chapel Secretariat along Azikoro Road opposite Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Ekeki Yenagoa under the supervision of the NUJ Bayelsa State Council Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemolegha and the Secretary, Stanley Imgbi.
In his opening remarks preceding the election, the NUJ Council Secretary, Mr. Stanley Imgbi said Article 3 Section 13 of the NUJ constitution spelt out the eligibility qualifications of Journalists to contest NUJ election to include possession of Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, Journalism or Media Studies and been in practiced for 10 years.
The Electoral Committee Chairman, Tari Okorotie while declaring the results of the election stated that all the candidates met the NUJ qualification requirement.
According to the Eleco Chairman, number of accredited voters were 11 saying that each of the positions had one contestant.
At the end of voting and counting of ballot papers, Ekaunkumo Amgbare was declared elected as Chairman with 11 votes, John Ode, 11 Votes, Vice Chairman, Chris Mark Deinkoru, 10 votes, Secretary.
Others elected include, Miss. Daukoru Grey 11 votes, Treasurer and Dominic Ologu Jide, 11 votes, Financial Secretary.
The Electoral Committee Chairman thanked the NUJ Bayelsa State Council Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemolegha and the Secretary, Mr. Stanley Imgbi for honouring the invitation of the Chapel to supervise the election and expressed appreciation to the Eleco and Chapel members for their support and peaceful dispo that ensured the successful conduct of the election.
The Secretary, NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Mr. Stanley Imgbi administered the Oath of Office on the new Executive Members.
In his charge to the new Executives of the United Correspondent Chapel, the Chairman, NUJ Bayelsa State Council Comrade Tonye Yemolegha said the hallmark after taken a bow from office are the achievements and legacies which he noted will leave lasting impression of how one has performed.
Comrade Yemolegha informed that the new paradigm shift he has introduced in line with his campaign promise is motivating chapels to organize programmes and activities because of the new order.
He said NUJ Bayelsa State Council has been supporting Chapels organizing programmes with tokens and advised Journalists to hold their integrity high and promote professional conduct.
The NUJ Bayelsa State Council Chairman urged Journalists to pay their checkup dues as members of the NUJ and not as Chapels.
Comrade Tonye Yemolegha said the current NUJ Bayelsa State Council under his watch as Chairman is barely 7 months in office and have not defaulted in calling monthly congress and is remitting the check-up dues to the National and Zonal Councils Secretariat.
He charged Journalists to do the right thing to achieve greater heights while emphasizing that the NUJ leadership is collaborating with the State Civil Service to recognize the IIJ certificate.
The NUJ Chairman presented certificates of return to the new Executives and congratulated them for their Inauguration.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Executives, the Chairman, Comrade Ekaunkumo Amgbare thanked the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Tonye Yemolegha for honouring their invitation to observe the process, stressing that his welfare package and infrastructural development of the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre is impacting positively on Journalists
He promised to run an open door policy and make consultation his watchword before major decisions affecting members will be taken.
Comrade Amgbare said the opinion and ideas of every member will count, and operate as a servant leader emphasizing that he will adhere to the NUJ constitution as a guide in the daily administration to move the chapel forward.
He promised to pursue with vigour training and retraining of members to update their knowledge and acquire relevant skills to keep abreast with evolving trends in journalism practice and establish a special fund to assist members ease financial burden and respond to emergency situations.
Comrade Amgbare thanked members for entrusting him to lead the Chapel and promised not to betray the confidence reposed on him.
Speaking to newsmen on the conduct of the election, an independent observer, Comrade David Bekewari West, Chairman Civil Liberty Organization, Bayelsa State Chapter described the United Correspondent Chapel election as a family affair as all the contestants were returned unopposed which underscores the fact that the former leadership did very well to unite members of the Chapel.
He advised the new leadership to be accountable, carry everybody along in the scheme of things and abide by the tenet of journalism practice.
Comrade David West enjoined members to settle issues as matured and professionals colleagues and promised to defend them whenever there are rights infringement.
