Isah Garba Gadau, the News Editor of Bauchi Television (BATV), has been elected as the new chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council. The election took place on Saturday, where Gadau secured 83 votes to defeat Ahmed Mohammed, the immediate past Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, who received 47 votes.
Alongside Gadau, several other officials were elected to the council’s executive committee. Isiaka Ismail Wunti of Globe FM Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Chapel was elected Council Secretary with 94 votes, defeating Mu’azu Hassan of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA). Sarki Saleh of the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) Chapel, Adama Ibrahim of the Bauchi State Ministry of Information, Khalid Doya of Leadership Newspapers, and Abubakar Ibrahim of Globe FM FRCN Bauchi Chapel were also elected unopposed.
The results were declared by Elizabeth Kah, Chairman of the Credential Committee from BATV. The new officials were subsequently inaugurated by representatives of the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, Zonal Vice President Mr. Zare Baba, and Zonal Secretary Abubakar Musa Waziri.
“I accept this mandate with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to all members of our great union,” Gadau said.
In his acceptance speech, Gadau pledged to prioritize the welfare, professional training, and safety of journalists in the state. He stated that his administration would be anchored on unity, inclusiveness, accountability, and mutual respect, ensuring that journalists are adequately supported to perform their duties without fear. He also committed to upholding the NUJ Constitution and Code of Ethics, noting that the profession's credibility depends on adherence to these standards.
Gadau emphasized that his leadership would build on the achievements of previous administrations while introducing new initiatives where necessary. He extended a hand of fellowship to members who supported other candidates, stressing that the contest was over and the union must now unite to advance the interests of journalists. He also commended Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for the ongoing remodelling of the NUJ Secretariat, expressing hope that the project would be completed and commissioned soon.
The election and acceptance ceremony were attended by representatives of the NUJ national leadership, members of the electoral committee, National Labour Congress (NLC) officials, the immediate past NUJ chairman, the NUJ Gombe State chairman, and other union delegates.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
