Osun NUJ, government disagree over allegations of fraternity with opposition

From Lateef Dada, Osogbo

The Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the state government have clashed over accusations of the union’s alleged fraternity with the opposition party.

The disagreement arose during the NUJ’s dinner and award night over the weekend, where the state chairman, Wasiu Ajadosu, voiced his concerns regarding allegations made by a member of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s media team against the union.

Ajadosu acknowledged the presence of the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, at the event, commending his consistent attendance at union programs. “He is one of the friendliest commissioners for information,” Ajadosu remarked.

However, he expressed frustration at the perceived hostility from a fellow journalist, who allegedly threatened union members over their acceptance of vests inscribed with the name of a political figure contesting under the APC.

“We have been friends to all political parties. Is it because AMBO is now contesting under APC that we should not accept his vest when he did not write his political party on it? Someone that has been identifying with the union in the past. I was surprised that a supposed journalist would become our enemy and instruct three commissioners not to attend our program,” Ajadosu stated.

In response, Commissioner Alimi clarified that the Chief Press Secretary was in Abuja accompanying the governor for a screening by the PDP, explaining the absence of the media team. “Whenever someone is somewhere, another person has to be elsewhere. We are working for the same government,” he noted.

Alimi addressed the controversy surrounding the vests, advising the NUJ to maintain an apolitical stance. “I heard that a certain name was written on a vest used for a program. I can only advise that NUJ should remain apolitical. If Kolapo Alimi is contesting and they put PDP or Kolapo Alimi for governor, that’s too much for an organization like NUJ,” he cautioned.

He emphasized that while donations are welcome, any item associated with a political party should be rejected to avoid alienating any faction within the party. “In APC today, there are different camps; you could easily offend one camp if you’re not careful,” Alimi explained.