Faruk Muazu Gombe has been elected as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for Gombe State. In a decisive victory, Muazu Gombe secured 96 votes, defeating his opponent Peter Mele, who received 53 votes. This election result marks a significant shift in the leadership of the NUJ in Gombe State. The new chairman is expected to bring fresh perspectives and initiatives to the union, enhancing the role of journalism in the region.
Faruk Mu'azu Gombe Elected as New NUJ Chairman, Gombe State Council
Faruk Mu'azu Gombe of GMC Radio Chapel has been elected as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council. Faruk secured 93 votes, defeating his rival, Peter Mele, who garnered 53 votes in a closely contested election.
In addition to Faruk’s victory, other key positions were filled during the election. Shuaibu Umar of GMC TV Chapel emerged as the Secretary with 98 votes, surpassing Abubakar Sadik Ahmed, who obtained 53 votes. Balkisu Lakutto of GMC Radio Chapel won the position of Treasurer with 79 votes, defeating Pastor Alama Sylvanus Kalbore of the Federal Ministry of Information, who received 70 votes.
Several positions were uncontested, with Emmanuel Akila of NTA Gombe Chapel, Abubakar Muhammad Tukur of the State Ministry of Information Chapel, Hauwa Salami Theman of Jewel News, and Halilu Mohammed Teli of GMC Radio Chapel elected as Vice Chairman, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor, respectively.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, extended his congratulations to the new NUJ leadership in a press release signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli. He expressed optimism about a strengthened relationship between the state government and the union, grounded in mutual respect, ethics, and the broader interests of Gombe State.
The Governor encouraged the new leadership to uphold the union's tradition of excellence and stressed the importance of continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards. He also emphasized the critical role of journalists in shaping public opinion and holding leaders accountable, urging them to foster unity among members and contribute positively to societal peace and development.
Governor Yahaya, who also serves as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors' Forum, urged the new executives to extend an olive branch to their opponents, highlighting that the election was a friendly competition among colleagues. He praised the outgoing leadership for laying a solid foundation and assured the new executives of his administration's commitment to completing the Gombe State Press Centre project, a key priority for the NUJ.