NUJ BAUCHI: GROUP DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY OVER COUNCIL FUNDS, AUCTIONED PROPERTY, SECRETARIAT PROJECT
A pressure group within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Council, has demanded explanations over the management of council funds, the reported auction of union property, revenue from shop allocations and the ongoing secretariat remodelling project under the immediate past leadership of former chairman, Umar Sa’idu.
The group, known as the Ahmad and Mu’azu Campaign Organisation, said the recent handover of the council’s affairs by the former chairman had reinforced concerns it previously raised about the delay in transferring administrative and financial responsibilities to the newly elected executive.
In a statement, the organisation said the handover occurred more than a month after the inauguration of the new executive, describing the delay as a matter requiring constitutional and administrative clarification.
It also questioned why the new leadership did not publicly seek explanations about the delayed transition before the group raised the matter, insisting that transparency and accountability should guide the management of the union.
The transition has also drawn attention to the background of the current chairman, Isa Garba Gadau, who previously served as State Secretary under the Sa’idu-led administration.
According to the group, Gadau's previous position makes it important for the new leadership to clarify when the handover was formally requested, what financial and administrative records were submitted, whether an inventory was conducted and whether any outstanding issues were identified.
However, it acknowledged that Gadau's previous role does not, in itself, establish responsibility for any alleged financial irregularities or resolve the questions surrounding the handover.
A major issue raised by the organisation concerns a reported statement by Sa’idu that he inherited approximately ₦14,000 in the council's account when he assumed office in 2020 but left nearly ₦2 million for the incoming executive.
The group argued that the reported account balance alone was insufficient to assess the financial performance of the former administration, demanding a comprehensive account of revenues generated and expenditures incurred throughout his tenure.
It recalled that Sa’idu emerged as chairman following the removal of former chairman Ibrahim Muhammad Mallam Goje by the NUJ National Secretariat at the end of his tenure and the subsequent appointment of a caretaker committee led by Nasiru Kobi.
The organisation said the caretaker committee served for approximately six weeks, during which a Credentials Committee chaired by Umar Mohammed Shira conducted the election that produced the Sa’idu-led executive.
It further alleged that neither the Mallam Goje administration nor the caretaker committee auctioned NUJ property, received ₦5 million in election support or allocated newly constructed shops.
These assertions, however, require documentary verification and responses from the individuals and administrations concerned.
QUESTIONS OVER AUCTIONED PROPERTY AND SHOP REVENUE
The group also questioned the reported auction of items belonging to the NUJ Bauchi State Council during Sa’idu's tenure.
According to the organisation, records circulated on NUJ communication platforms placed the value of the listed items at approximately ₦1.971 million.
It is demanding clarification on the identities and conditions of the items auctioned, the authorisation for their disposal, the buyers involved, the proceeds realised and how the money was accounted for.
Another area of concern is the allocation of newly constructed shops within the council's property.
The group questioned how much revenue the former administration generated from the allocations, including shops it claimed were allocated while construction was still ongoing.
It said some tenants had reportedly confirmed making payments for their allocations, and urged both the former chairman and the new executive to disclose the number of shops allocated, the amounts collected and the financial records relating to the transactions.
₦5 MILLION ELECTION SUPPORT FUND UNDER SCRUTINY
The organisation also raised questions about an alleged ₦5 million election-support fund, calling on the new leadership to establish whether the money existed, who provided it, its intended purpose and how it was utilised.
It noted that, according to its account, all nine candidates who contested the election said they personally financed their nomination forms and campaign activities.
The group further questioned the handling of ₦650,000 it said was generated through the sale of nomination forms by the Credentials Committee.
It alleged that each of the nine contestants received only a bottle of water reportedly valued at ₦250, demanding an explanation of how the remaining proceeds were spent or accounted for.
The claims have placed the handling of election-related funds under renewed scrutiny, although the organisation has called for documentary evidence rather than relying solely on allegations and recollections.
CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND NATIONAL INTERVENTION
At its first State Executive Council meeting, the new NUJ leadership reportedly emphasised teamwork, mutual respect and constructive communication among members.
The Ahmad and Mu’azu Campaign Organisation urged the executive to translate those commitments into practical measures, particularly through transparent financial management, responsible handling of union property and regular communication with members.
It called on journalists to raise the issues during the State Council Congress and their respective chapel congresses, urging members of the State Executive Council to seek satisfactory explanations in the collective interest of the union.
The group also appealed to NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya, to intervene and ensure that the concerns receive appropriate attention.
On the secretariat remodelling project, it called for the establishment of a monitoring committee to oversee the remaining work, assess project progress and ensure that resources allocated to the project are properly accounted for.
It further urged the new leadership to embrace inclusive governance, accommodate constructive criticism and make the council's financial records accessible to members in accordance with applicable union procedures.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
At the centre of the controversy are questions that the former and current leaderships are being urged to address:
- What was the actual financial position of the council when the former chairman assumed office in 2020 and when he handed over?
- What revenues were generated during his administration, and how were they spent?
- Which union properties were auctioned, who authorised their disposal and where were the proceeds deposited?
- How many shops were allocated, how much was collected and what records exist of the transactions?
- Was an election-support fund of ₦5 million received, and if so, how was it utilised?
- How was the reported ₦650,000 generated from nomination forms accounted for?
- What is the financial and contractual status of the NUJ secretariat remodelling project?
- Was a comprehensive inventory and financial reconciliation conducted during the handover?
The questions are significant because the NUJ is a professional institution whose credibility depends, among other things, on transparency, internal accountability and respect for established procedures.
However, allegations are not proof of wrongdoing. The former chairman, Umar Sa’idu, the current chairman, Isa Garba Gadau, the Credentials Committee and other relevant parties deserve an opportunity to provide documentary explanations and respond to the concerns raised.
For a union that represents journalists and routinely demands accountability from public institutions, members have a legitimate interest in knowing how their collective resources are managed.
Ultimately, the controversy should not degenerate into a personality contest or factional battle. What is required is an impartial examination of the relevant records, clear answers to legitimate questions and accountability wherever established facts justify it.