CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – Comrade Archibong Bassey of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has been re-elected unopposed as Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, during the 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference.
The election, held Wednesday at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, also returned five other executive members unopposed. Their tenure runs till 2028, according to the union’s electoral committee.
Elected alongside Bassey were Comrades Sunday Inah (Vice Chair), Michael Abang (Secretary), Kingsley Agim (Assistant Secretary), Achiane Adams (Treasurer), and Benedine Tete Anam (Auditor), drawn from various media houses and ministries.
Converseer reports that the election process was supervised by Comrade Opakah Dokubo, Vice President of NUJ Zone F, representing the National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya. Dr Brenda Akpan chaired the session.
Dokubo commended the peaceful and transparent process. He urged the new executive to work closely with members and uphold journalistic ethics while consolidating on previous gains.
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“The maturity shown by members in returning leaders unopposed shows trust,” Dokubo noted, adding that such confidence comes with responsibility and higher expectations.
Administering the oath of office, legal practitioner Barr. Olive Onah charged the officials to uphold integrity, unity, and service in their dealings.
State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, praised the union’s collective decision, saying, “Being elected unopposed is commendable. It reflects unity and performance. We will support the NUJ fully.”
He expressed hope that Cross River NUJ would become a national model if members maintain cohesion and professionalism under Bassey’s leadership.
Also speaking, Comrade Timothy Akwaji, former Head of Service, and Comrade Samuel Egbala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, said the unopposed re-election reflected members’ satisfaction, advising, “You don’t change a winning team.”
In her acceptance speech, Bassey thanked members for their continued confidence. “Our first term was a trial. We’ll improve on our strengths and fix our weaknesses,” she said.
Bassey appealed for unity, humility, and constructive criticism. “Let’s put differences behind. I welcome your ideas and not hearsay,” she urged.
Observers say the re-election unopposed shows continuity but underscores the need for inclusivity and transparent internal democracy to maintain credibility and accountability within the NUJ.
Truth Live News gathered that Comrade Bassey’s EXCO was initially elected in May 2025 to complete the tenure of Comrade Nsa Gill, who became Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The conference also featured a keynote by Dr Patrick Ene Okon on “AI: Ethical Implications for Journalism Practice in Nigeria,” stressing the need for responsible tech use in media.
