Adebayo Adenrele
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has suspended five members of the union over alleged anti-Union activities.
The decision was taken at the NEC meeting of the union held in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The suspended members are Ubon Ekanem and Edem Archibong of the Cross River State Council, as well as Dare Akogun, Mosunmola Ayobami and Usman Adamu Sabi of the Kwara State Council.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Assistant National Secretary, Akorede Opeyemi, the NEC reiterated the importance of members adhering to the constitution of the union and using established internal mechanisms to resolve disputes.
The Council urged members to uphold the unity, integrity and institutional stability of the NUJ, stressing the need for mutual respect, solidarity and collective responsibility within the organisation.
The meeting, chaired by the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, was attended by national officers of the union, as well as chairmen and secretaries of state councils.
The communiqué reads, “The National Executive Council commended the various security agencies in the country, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for their continued partnership, cooperation and support towards promoting the safety and security of journalists and members of the media community.
“NEC urged the security agencies to sustain and deepen this partnership, particularly in view of the increasing security challenges confronting journalists in the course of carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“NEC called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other forms of insecurity across the country.
“Journalists are urged to avoid sensationalism, the glorification of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, and the undue prominence of their activities in ways that could amplify propaganda, facilitate recruitment or enhance the public profile of criminal groups.
“NEC reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to ethical journalism and emphasised the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting that serves the public interest while taking into consideration national security and the safety of journalists.
“In view of the prevailing security challenges confronting the Northern region, NEC endorsed the proposed Northern States Security Summit to be hosted by Zamfara State.
“The Union considers the summit an important platform for bringing together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable strategies for addressing insecurity and enhancing the protection of journalists, media organisations and the wider society. All NEC members are expected to participate actively in the summit.
“NEC commended the Bauchi State Government for approving and releasing over ₦400 million for the comprehensive renovation of the NUJ Secretariat in the state.
“The Council described the gesture as a significant demonstration of support for journalism and the welfare of journalists and urged other subnational governments to emulate the initiative by providing conducive working environments and improved facilities for journalists across the country.
“The National Executive Council commended the Jigawa State Government for its commitment to promoting mechanised agriculture as a means of transforming the agricultural sector, boosting food production, creating employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of citizens. NEC urged other State Governments to emulate the laudable effort.
“The Council further encouraged journalists and media organisations to give greater attention to policies and initiatives that promote food security, agricultural productivity, rural development and sustainable economic growth.
“NEC expressed its appreciation to UN Women for its continued partnership and support for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, particularly in the area of capacity building for women journalists.
“The Council specifically acknowledged the training programme organised for women journalists in Abuja and reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to promoting greater professional opportunities, capacity development, inclusion and advancement for women in journalism.
“NEC resolved to organise two additional national events before the end of 2026 as part of the Union’s efforts to strengthen professional development, institutional unity, networking and the welfare of its members.
“The events will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, professional advancement, collaboration and meaningful engagement among journalists and other relevant stakeholders.
“The National Executive Council resolved to strengthen and expand the Union’s partnerships with state and local governments, as well as other relevant stakeholders, in areas of mutual interest and development.
“Such partnerships will focus on initiatives capable of advancing journalism, improving the welfare and working conditions of journalists, strengthening media institutions and contributing positively to society.
“NEC approved the proposed partnership between the Nigeria Union of Journalists and a reputable law firm to provide legal representation, advisory services and other forms of legal support to the Union and its members, particularly in states where litigation involving the Union arises.
“The initiative is aimed at strengthening the Union’s capacity to protect the rights, interests and professional integrity of journalists and to provide appropriate legal support to members in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
“NEC expressed its support for Abuja-based lawyer Olubunmi, who is participating in a Guinness World Records initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“The Council reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to supporting credible initiatives that promote the protection of vulnerable persons, public awareness and stronger societal action against gender-based violence.
“Following extensive deliberations on the position of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), and after due consideration of a letter earlier submitted to the Union by the National Chairman of SWAN, Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, as well as his invitation to address members of the National Executive Council, NEC resolved to formally reabsorb and reintegrate SWAN into the NUJ family.
“The decision was taken in the spirit of unity, professional solidarity, inclusiveness and the continued development of journalism and sports journalism in Nigeria.
“Accordingly, the current leadership of SWAN under Comrade Isaiah Benjamin is recognised and reintegrated into the NUJ structure in accordance with the relevant provisions and procedures of the Union.
“The National Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the unity, integrity and institutional strength of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
“NEC called on all members, Councils, Chapels and affiliate bodies to uphold the principles of professionalism, mutual respect, solidarity and collective responsibility in advancing the interests of journalists and the Nigerian media.
“The Council further urged all members to continue to discharge their professional responsibilities with diligence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.
“NEC approved the suspension of five members—two from the Cross Rivers State Council and three from the Kwara State Council—for anti-Union activities.
The suspended members are:
- Ubon Ekanem — Cross Rivers State Council
- Edem Archibong — Cross Rivers State Council
- Dare Akogun — Kwara State Council
- Mosunmola Ayobami — Kwara State Council
- Usman Adamu Sabi — Kwara State Council
“NEC reiterated the importance of adherence to the Constitution of the Union and the use of established internal mechanisms for resolving disputes, while urging all members to uphold the unity, integrity and institutional stability of the Union.
“NEC expressed its profound appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for its support, hospitality and cooperation in hosting the National Executive Council meeting in Dutse.
“The Council equally commended the leadership and members of the NUJ Jigawa State Council for their commitment, organisation and dedication towards ensuring the successful hosting of the meeting.
“NEC described the warm reception and support extended to delegates as a demonstration of the strong partnership between the Jigawa State Government, the NUJ and the media community”.
