The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has condemned what it described as the incessant harassment and intimidation of officials of its Ogun State Council by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding an immediate end to the alleged persecution.
The union also called on the EFCC leadership to ensure an impartial investigation into a petition allegedly written by some individuals operating under the name “The Patriot”, whose identity it said was unknown to the union.
The position of the union was contained in a 14-point communiqué issued at the end of its Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the NUJ Lagos State Council Secretariat.
The meeting, which was presided over by the NUJ Vice President, Zone B, Princess Ronke Afebioye-Samo, was attended by the Deputy National President of the union, Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Oyetunde, national officers from the zone, as well as chairmen and secretaries of NUJ state councils across the South-West.
According to the communiqué, the union expressed concern over the psychological, financial and emotional burdens allegedly imposed on the Ogun State Council officials and their families through repeated invitations, verbal attacks and profiling during the EFCC investigation.
It noted that the Ogun State Council Chairman and other officials had reportedly honoured invitations from the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Office on approximately 25 occasions, opened the council’s financial records and responded to questions from the commission.
However, the union expressed reservations about the handling of the investigation, particularly an alleged display of bias and prejudgment by an EFCC officer identified as Mr Bashir, Head of the Economic Governance Unit.
The communiqué alleged that the officer had claimed to have concluded his preliminary report before conducting an interview with the Ogun NUJ Chairman.
The ZEC also questioned why the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate was handling the petition when Ogun State reportedly falls within the jurisdiction of the commission’s Lagos II Zonal Directorate.
It further raised concerns about the identities and membership status of some petitioners, alleging that some were individuals suspended by the NUJ National Executive Council over alleged anti-union activities, while others were not members of the union.
The union therefore called for proper scrutiny of the petition, an impartial investigation and strict adherence to the EFCC’s jurisdictional boundaries and operational procedures.
Reaffirming the independence of the NUJ, the communiqué stressed that the union was a professional and labour organisation, not a financial institution, company, government agency or contractor, adding that it did not receive statutory subventions or allocations.
It explained that the union’s activities were sustained through voluntary support and benevolence from individuals, groups, governments and corporate organisations.
While acknowledging that its officials were accountable under applicable laws, the union maintained that legitimate financial, administrative and welfare activities should not be subjected to undue interference, intimidation or victimisation.
It urged the EFCC to discontinue what it described as incessant and unwarranted harassment, insisting that if investigations established any prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, the commission should pursue prosecution through appropriate legal channels.
The ZEC also declared its solidarity with the affected Ogun State Council officials, assuring them of the union’s support and commitment to pursuing legitimate institutional and legal avenues to protect their rights and dignity.
On other matters, the union commended Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for elevating the appointment of NUJ member, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, from Chief Press Secretary to Special Adviser on Media.
It equally appreciated Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for reappointing Mr. Yinka Oyebode as Special Adviser on Media and for his promise to donate an administrative block to the Ekiti State NUJ Council.
The union also applauded Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for his contributions to the development of the Ogun State Council, particularly his donations towards the construction of a 1,000-seater ultra-modern event centre and the provision of a brand-new 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus.
It urged other well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals to emulate the senator’s gesture by supporting the growth and institutional development of the union.
The communiqué further commended the outgoing Lagos State NUJ Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Adeleye Ajayi and Tunde Olalere, respectively, for their six years of dedicated service and contributions to the union.
It noted that the Lagos State Council election was scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, to usher in a new leadership, while urging the incoming executive to sustain the achievements and unity of the council.
On infrastructure, the union expressed concern over the deplorable conditions of some strategic roads across the South-West and called on federal, state and local governments to expedite ongoing projects, resume abandoned ones and rehabilitate roads requiring urgent attention.
It said improved road infrastructure would help reduce traffic crashes, safeguard lives and enhance transportation across the region.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the NUJ Zone B urged journalists across the six South-West states to maintain objectivity, impartiality and non-partisanship in their reportage.
It also directed the six state councils to organise adequate training and capacity-building programmes for members on the Code of Election Coverage to promote responsible, balanced and credible electoral reporting.
The communiqué was signed electronically by Princess Ronke Afebioye-Samo, Vice President, NUJ Zone B, and Abdulrazak Alege, Zonal Secretary.
A communiqué drafting committee chaired by Comrade Seye Ojo, National Trustee, prepared the document, with Comrade Olaoluwa Meshack, Secretary of the Ondo State Council, serving as secretary.
