Corruption and Accountability in Journalism: A call for reform within the NUJ-FCT council

Journalism remains a critical profession that educates the public, ensures governmental accountability, and immensely enriches societal discourse.

It strives to uphold ethical standards and maintain public trust, even in the face of challenges presented by a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is instrumental not only in safeguarding the rights of journalists but also in influencing the media landscape within Nigeria. The union actively promotes the professional development of its members, advocates for press freedom, and contributes to the enhancement of democratic processes in the nation.

A comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities encountered by the union is critical for fully appreciating the contemporary dynamics of labour relations, the rights of workers, and the welfare of journalists.

Regrettably, developments within the NUJ-FCT Council in the last six ( 6) years has fallen short of the noble ideals and expectations of the founders of the union.The council is marred by corruption, self- serving and largescale unwholesome practices among its leadership. These issues not only undermine the union’s effectiveness but also jeopardise the integrity of the journalism profession.

The council’s misappropriation of its resources for individual benefits has engendered an atmosphere of profound mistrust and misgivings.
The allegations of extortion through the improper use of the council’s letterhead for clandestine deals are particularly alarming and extremely worrisome.
Furthermore, the practice of communicating with high-ranking public officials and politicians across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to intimidate them with spurious allegations for the purpose of financial exploitation underscores an immediate necessity for systemic reforms within the council.

During electoral cycles, the parties that embody an “entitled mentality” within the council are able to perpetuate their dubious practices and reinforce the status quo by effectively sidelining independent-minded individuals who seek to contest for various elective positions in preference for those selectively handpicked and “anointed” by the coterie within the council.

The clique prefers “anointing” individuals with questionable reputations, particularly those with documented cases of financial misconduct and corruption in anti-graft agencies.

This strategy enables them to leverage blackmail and exert control over these individuals to ensure compliance with their personal demands.

Given that the council lacks annual appropriations from the government, its primary asset is its goodwill. Thus, it is important to entrust this intangible asset to individuals who demonstrate integrity and can be trusted.

In the last six (6)years, there has been no evidence of audited financial statements from the council, and all financial transactions have been conducted in a state of complete obliqueness.
For example, tens (10s) of millions of Naira was collected from the electronic shop within the premises of the council, the details of the transaction has been shielded in secrecy and they are expecting to receive and share the rent money of the same property which is due for renewal before the end of 2024.
This raises an important question regarding the identity of the individuals who serve as signatories to the council’s bank accounts.

Therefore, it is imperative to dismantle the entrenched cabal within the NUJ-FCT Council in the upcoming elections by ensuring that only independent-minded candidates of integrity are elected to the various positions.

In conclusion, this call for reform extends beyond a mere transition in leadership; it seeks to restore the council’s credibility in its role as a guardian of journalistic values. It underscores the necessity of prioritizing the collective welfare of its members over individual interests, thereby reaffirming the council’s commitment to ethical journalism and the broader journalistic community.

Maryann Eze
Public Affairs Analyst