The whole of Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists was agog with joy, jubilation and celebration as Comrade Victor Akinwale Olanrewaju of State Information Chapel emerges Chairman of the Council with an overwhelming victory of 251 votes to defeat his counterpart, Comrade Remi Olugbenro of Paramount FM Chapel who came a distant second with only 99 votes.
Members of the Union trooped out massively to give their mandates to the man with the unifying ideology, outstanding achievements, unparalleled records, unquestionable popularity and proven integrity in a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
It would be recalled that the Ogun State Council of the Union had experienced a prolonged crisis which led to the death of the former Chairman, late Comrade Olusoji Amosun after his victory at the polls was annulled by the National President of the Union, Chief Chris Iziguso 37 days after he was declared winner as against the 21 days given by the constitution for anybody to contest any result.
Announcing the result, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo Council who doubles as the Chairman Electoral Committee, Comrade Ademola Babalola declared Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju winner of the poll having satisfied the Union's constitutional requirements by securing the highest number of votes.
Comrade Babalola during the swearing in ceremony enjoined the elected officers to be magnanimous in victory and bring all the various factions in the Council together as a family saying in unity lies our strength.
In his victory speech, the "brand new" Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Comrade Victor Akinwale Olanrewaju appreciated all members of Ogun NUJ for coming out enmasse, for allowing peace and unity and for speaking with one voice through their votes.
The Chairman used the avenue to reiterate his commitment to bring back the lost glory and the pride of Ogun NUJ Council, assured all members that his leadership would do all in its power to bring unity and sanity to the Union while he extended hands of fellowship to his counterpart saying, there is no victor, no vanquished.
In an interview with the Director General of Olanrewaju's Campaign Team, Comrade Jamiu Lawal appreciated the members who came all out to vote and the electoral committee for doing a thorough job saying the jubilation that is being experienced at the announcement of Comrade Olanrewaju is a testament to the fact that he is the choice of the people.
Other elected officers of the Council include; Comrades Fasasi Sulaimon of Correspondent Chapel (Vice President), Nike Fayomi Olowe of Local Government Information Chapel (Secretary), Kunle Ibikunle of Ogun State Television Chapel (Assistant Secretary), Nike Anifowose of Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation achapel (Treasurer), Lekan Agbonde of NTA Chapel (Financial Secretary), and Modupe Salabiu of State Information Chapel (Auditor).
Femi Osipitan,
Special Adviser to the Chairman,
Media and Public Communications.
