By Jude Michael
The log drawn out crisis threatening to tear the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, seems at the point of resolution following the unconditional apology rendered to the State Executive Council (SEC) led by Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.
In a letter of apology signed by Chief Chukwujekwu Ilozue (Chairman); Nkiru Nwagbo (Vice Chairman); Lucy Osuizigbo (Secretary); Emma Elekwa (Asst. Secretary); Chimezie Anaso (Fin. Secretary); Suzan Oruya (Treasurer); the Anambra State Correspondents Chapel expressed regret over what it described as some actions it took which led to its breakaway from the State Council during the period of the crisis.
This is even as the Chapel apologized for bringing the integrity of Dr Odogwu to disrepute by some of its actions and pledged to henceforth work harmoniously with the Anambra Council SEC for the good of the Union.
The apology letter followed a peace meeting brokered between the warring parties by the matriarch of the Union, Prof Chinyere Okunna, along with some stakeholders of the Council like a former Chairman of the Council, Mr Victor Agusiobo; Media Aide to former Anambra Governor, Mr Peter Obi; and Editor-in-Chief of Fides Newspaper, Mr Jude Atupulazi.
The letter read, ‘’The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, Dear Sir, Following the intervention of elders of our profession led by our Matriarch, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, we, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, write to express our sincere regret over some of the actions we took during the recent impasse that led to our breakaway from the Council. In the light of fresh facts that have emerged, we have come to realize that some of our actions were taken in the heat of passion and may not have been in the best interest of the Union. We acknowledge that some of our actions, whether intentional or not, may have inadvertently cast doubt on the integrity of our leader, Dr. Emeka Odogwu Emeka. For this, we offer our sincere and unreserved apology.
‘’In the spirit of peace and reconciliation, we wish to put the past behind us and move forward. We ask that all that transpired during this period be forgotten and forgiven by all parties in the interest of unity and the progress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council. We hereby reinstate our unalloyed loyalty to the Odogwu-led council and pledge to work harmoniously with you and the entire leadership to strengthen our union.
‘’We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Chinyere Okunna; Messrs Victor Agusiobo; Val Obienyem; Jude Atupulazi, and all others who contributed to the restoration of this peace. By the special grace of God, we commit to ensuring that the factors that led to this disagreement will not be allowed to repeat themselves. We believe that letting bygones be bygones will foster a more united and productive working relationship within the union.
‘’Thank you for your understanding and leadership.’’
