By Mcanthony Onuoha
After weeks of gruelling campaign following the release of the NUJ Lagos Council election time table on the expiration of the first three years tenure of the immediate past Chairman, Dr.Quasim Akinreti, a new helmsman of the council has emerged.
In a well organized and peaceful election held yesterday at the LTV 8,Blue Roof Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, yesterday, the 26th of November,2020, a landslide victory for Mr. Leye Ajayi of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),was recorded as he defeated his rival, the incumbent Chairman,Dr.Quasim Akinreti with a whooping 370 votes, while Akinreti scored 68 votes.
For Secretary of the Council, Comrade Raymond Tedu Jaire slugged it out with Comrade Tunde Olalere of Lagos State Ministry of information who ganered a total of 381 votes against Tedu-Jaire’s 53 votes. That result paved way for Olalere as he emerged the new secretary of NUJ, Lagos State Council.
Recall that the immediate past Secretary, Comrade Alfred Odifa, withdrew from the race after weeks of gruelling campaign following what he described as outlandish desperation and bitter rivalry. And his withdrawal informed the choice of Olalere, who happened to be in the same camp with Odifa.
However, Mr. Innocent Anaba of the Vanguard Newspaper emerged as financial secretary of the council with 377 votes against 56 votes scored by his oponent, Iyabo Wale.
The exercise started as early as 11am and lasted till 2pm.
The turnout was quite impressive as the conduct was very organized and peaceful giving credence to the capability of the electoral committee.
The results were announced by the vice president of NUJ,Zone B, Mr.Cosmas Oni, who tasked the elected officers on selfless service and diligence as they pilot the affairs of the Lagos Council.
Those elected took their oath of office immediately after the results were announced.
Observers expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election,saying that it was transparent and hitch free.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman elect, Comrade Leye Ajayi, expressed gratitude to professional colleagues for their great support and solidarity throughout the entire process, promising to leave no stone unturned in repositioning the council for greater glory.
