Lagos NUJ Election: I’ve Zero Tolerance For Corruption — Aspirant

Mr Adeleye Ajayi, a chairmanship aspirant for the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), says there will be zero tolerance for corruption if he emerges winner of Sept. 29 polls.

Ajayi, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), disclosed this when his campaign train toured Lagos Television (LTV8), Radio Lagos/Eko Fm and Traffic Radio on Monday.

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Coming from a family of accountants, Ajayi said efforts would be made to ensure prudent spending of the council funds and quarterly audit of NUJ account.

“I promise to be transparent and maintain proper records of accounts as well as regular audit of the accounts.

“I will not condone the siphoning of the union’s funds no matter the exigency. There shall be SEC/EXCO’s approval before spending.

“I have zero tolerance for corruption. I will make accountability a priority if elected into this office. I have my integrity intact as the former President of Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (MARAN).

“I have come to recontest this seat in order to put our union back on the track. The Union has lost track and the union is divided sharply.

“I am not desperate but if you give me the mandate I will carry everyone along and will not disappoint you,” Ajayi told Exco members and staff of the chapels.

The candidate vowed to jerk up the revenue of the council through massive investment drive in agribusiness, transportation and others to better the lot of members.

According to him, there will be capacity building and welfare scheme for members on regular basis to improve the lots of NUJ members.

Ajayi said that as a democratic, if given the mandates, he would intensify efforts to bring members together as one big family.

He said that irregular salary payments by some publishers, failure to remit pensions and other ill-treatment of journalists must stop.

The aspirant said: “For journalists to have a comfortable and a healthy life, especially after retirement, they must be paid their pension entitlements.

“There should be life insurance, health insurance as well as an insurance portfolio that can take care of any journalist that loses his or her job, at least for a minimum period of six months.

“The union will partner with the Bank of Industry and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for members to acquire the entrepreneurial skills.

“If elected, the next administration will facilitate training at both state and chapel levels in order to keep members abreast of modern media practices with the evolution of technologies in the media industry.’’

On the aborted and contentious Mowe/Ofada Pen Jewel Estate project, Ajayi said that he would adopt a political solution to refund Mon paid by every subscriber of the abortive housing project.

In his opening speech at LTV8, Mr Jibola Ojesola, a former NUJ chairman of the chapel said:”Leye is a gentleman to the core.

“He’s concern about the welfare of people. When he lost election in 2017, he congratulated the winner. He is not a do-or-die aspirant. We have decided to support Leye spirit, soul and body.”

Mr Oluwakemi Ishola, the chairman of the chapel, who reiterated support for Ajayi’s candidature, said that the chapel would withdraw their support if the aspirant derailed after the election.

While responding to questions on hazard allowances for media, inclusion of journalists in broadcast media in the scheme of things, free-lancers, and welfare for members, Ajayi said that he would work on all issues and deliver happiness to all.

“There will be a training programme for journalists in broadcast media. In the scheme of things broadcast will not be shortchanged but be uppermost.

“We will write a proposal to accommodate free lancers, we will take it up because they are part of us. We will not leave them behind in the scheme of things,” he said.

Mr Shamsideen Babatunde, Assistant Director of News, Lagos Traffic Radio, who expressed delight in the aspirant, urged him to keep all promises if elected.

Several other directors in LTV8, Radio Lagos, Eko FM and Traffic Radio prayed for Ajayi’s success in the poll.

The General Manager, Traffic Radio, Mr Tayo Akanle, advised the aspirant to focus on his aims and agenda rather than campaign of calumny.

The Chairperson, NAN NUJ, Omobola Akingbehin, reiterated that Leye Ajayi remained a good product to be admired and bought by all, having his integrity untarnished and passionate about repositioning the council.

Akingbehin said: “We deserve better as journalists, we should get better in Lagos NUJ. Leye will take us to the old path of progress. He will protect all journalists including the female ones.”

A member of the campaign team, Mr Gbenga Fatile, said that Ajayi would listen to counsels and secure lives and jobs of Lagos journalists, saying that he would pursue media law to protect journalists.

The Director General of the Campaign, Mr Adenike Sodipo, called on the chapels to support Ajayi, saying that the candidate was extremely dependable and trusted, being her friend for 36 years.

“Leye is appealing for your votes, asking for your support and trust. He will not disappoint you. Let us do it together, and let us do it better. I cannot doubt his integrity, humility and sincerity. Let us spread this gospel,” Sodipo said.

NAN reports that the campaign was attended by various cadresin the chapels, including members of outgoing Lagos NUJ Exco such as Alfred Odifa (Secretary), Iyabo Ogunjuyigbe (Treasurer) and Samuel Dada