by Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
A new set of 7-man executives for the Sokoto state Council of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) have been elected with Usman Muhammed Binji of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Sokoto Zonal centre chapel emerging as its Chairman.
Also , Muhammad Naseer Bello of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the Correspondents chapel emerged unopposed as Secretary of the council.
He is the only executive returned among the immediate past Exco of the State Council.
Binji won with a landslide margin of 86 votes against his opponent, Sirajo Dalhatu Sifawa of the Rima Television, Sokoto chapel who scored 29 votes at the election held on Saturday under the supervision of officials from the NUJ national headquarters.
Declaring the results , the Zonal Vice President (Zone A) , Muhammad Tukur Umar who described the election as the most peaceful and orderly by the council, said Usman Binji having scored the highest votes of 86 against Dalhatu Sirajo Sifawa’s 29 votes hss bern declared winner.
Umar was assisted in supervising the exercise but the union’s Zonal Secretary (Zone A) Abdulrazak Bello.
Others who also emerged unopposed included: Aminu Aliyu S/ Dole (Vice Chairman), Umar Shehu Mainiyo, (Treasurer) , Ibrahim Salihu Isa (Auditor), Sama’la Muhammad ( Financial Secretary ) and Abubakar Abdullahi as Asst. Secretary respectively.
In his post election speech, Binji thanked Allah and the members of the union describing his emergence as not just a mandate but a call to service while pledging to uphold and promote the interest of the union.
Accordingly, Binji who succeeded Comrade Dalhatu Aminu Safiyel Magori also from the NTA, pledged to serve with integrity, humility and dedication for the progress of the union .
He dispassionately noted the power of unity and collective purpose stressing that the union was built on the principles of solidarity, professionalism, and advocacy.
” I pledged to uphold these principles and work towards a more vibrant, inclusive, and effective union as well work for the welfare of members and create opportunities for training and capacity building, advocate for better working conditions, and promote a culture of excellence and professionalism in our industry”, he said .
The new chairman further expressed his deep appreciations to especially the State government for it support towards a rancour free exercise, a manifestation of it commitment to good governance and resources ght tracking developmental activities as well the resilience of the campaign team for it steadfastness during consultations that ensured the victory.
” Let us continue to work together, fueled by our collective passion and commitment to a brighter future”, he concluded.