The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja and journalist Emmanuel Ogbeche have been given March 15, to appear before an FCT High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.

The order was for the defendants to respond to originating summons against them over the disputed December 4 FCT Council elections of the NUJ.

The summon was filed by Okorie Michael, counsel for the Claimant, Donald Ugwu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), against the Trustees of NUJ, first defendant, and Emmanuel Ogbeche of Abuja Enquirer, second defendant.

Mr Okorie asked the court to give a declaration that his client, Mr Ugwu, was the sole candidate duly qualified to contest for the office of the chairman in the 2021 FCT council election on December 4, 2021.

He also asked the court to grant an order nullifying the purported screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee inaugurated by the first defendant contrary to the provisions of sections of Articles 1, 5, and 6 of the NUJ constitution.

Mr Okorie also asked for an order disqualifying the second defendant from contesting any elective position in the said election.

He further asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, agents, privies or others from recognising the second defendant as a candidate in the election.

Other reliefs sought, included a declaration: “That the check-off dues of the second defendant, haven not been deducted at source, paid or remitted by his employer from his monthly salary as provided in Article 4 (1) a and 2 (a) of the NUJ constitution, the second defendant was not in the good financial standing of the union.

“That the second defendant not being in good financial standing in check-off dues, was not qualified as a candidate for the office of chairman of NUJ, FCT Council.

“That the screening and clearance of the second defendant by the credentials committee inaugurated by the first defendant contrary to Articles 1 (a), 5 (9) (a-f) and 6 (7) a, b and e of the NUJ constitution was unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void.”

Mr Okorie supported the summons with a 24-point affidavit, exhibits, and cited previous law reports, deposed on December 2.

He averred that his client had followed due process as required by the NUJ constitution and the timetable by raising objections to Ogbeche’s candidacy which were disregarded and unattended to by the credentials committee.

(NAN)