Barr. Dele Atunbi who is aspiring for the position of National President of NUJ is opposed to zoning the position to the North or any part of the country for that matter. He is of the opinion that the position should go to the most qualified in terms of competence, agility and the ability to deliver great dividends to the teeming journalist in this nation.
During his campaign visit to the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna, Atunbi emphasized that the union’s interests should prioritize members’ welfare, safety, infrastructural development and salaries over regional considerations. He recommended that antecedents, past achievements, and records of integrity be considered in choosing who takes the union to the next level.
“For me, my achievements as Secretary and Chairman of NUJ Ondo State Council stands me out as most qualified for the position. Even as Vice President of Zone B, I was able to bring sanity and professionalism to bear,” Atunbi said.
He added that the preacher of zoning was impeached 9 months into his tenure, was unable to function for lack of focus. “We are coming to bring the union to the greatest of heights, reposition the body, make members respected, give safety, Journalists salary structure and insurance for all members.”
On what happens to veterans, a question that was asked by Tajudeen Ajibade, Atunbi responded that the welfare of veterans was already included in the Constitution of the NUJ and stressed that as chairman of the Ondo State Council, he made provisions for them.
“When I was in charge in Ondo, I made sure that veterans who had even stopped coming to the Secretariat for the way they were treated came back, we created a welfare package for them. Like we know their experience is important.”
Atunbi emphasized that the position of national president should be a transformational leader and not a transactional one. “Journalists are not to be referred to as beggars, they should be seen as those moulding the society for greater good.”
For who becomes the next National President, it is left to the collective responsibility of delegates to decide. We look forward to outcome with great hope
.By Felix Sha’adu