By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kwara state have passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Chapel led by Alhaji Abdulhakeem Garba of the Channels TV.

The motion for the vote of confidence, which was moved by Nicholas Uwerunonye of the Daily Independent and seconded by Oluseyi Dasilva of the Arise TV, was for steadfastness of the leadership in provision of welfare and defence of rights of members, especially before, during and after the just concluded state council election of the union.

Moving the motion during an emergency Congress of the Chapel on Tuesday, Mr. Uwerunonye noted that the executive has been displaying good leadership qualities in the last five years with various welfare programmes that have touched and changed lives of members positively.

He cited various welfare programmes that were implemented and various forms of assistance rendered to distressed members, among others.

While urging other Chapels, Councils and the National Body of the Union to always prioritise interest of members and avoid constant crises, the Daily Independent Correspondent prayed for continued God’s guidance on the executive members, and urged members to continue supporting them.

Seconding the motion, Oluseyi Dasilva of ARISE TV corroborated words of his colleague, saying that the present executive members have written the name of the Chapel in gold to the envy of others.

He said even though they are doing what they were elected to do excellently, they should be commended and appreciated for fulfilling that mandate.

The Chairman of the Chapel, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Garba, who was taken by surprise with the motion, opined that there was no need for it since they were only performing their constitutional duties.

He was, however, reminded by the house that it has to be taken since it was a motion.

A counter motion was asked in which nobody raised an objection.

He, therefore, thanked members of the Chapel for the confidence reposed in the executive and called for more support and unity among members.

Also, the newly inaugurated executive of the state council of the NUJ paid a thank-you visit to the Chapel.

The Council Chairman, Mallam Lanre’ Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the new executive, expressed appreciation to the Correspondents’ Chapel members and sought their cooperation in moving the Council forward.