NUJ FCT Congress Passes Vote of Confidence on Grace Ike, Slams Ogbeche over Cyberattack, Impersonation.
By Raymond Enoch
In a momentous congress marked by firm resolutions and spirited unity, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has passed a resounding vote of confidence on the leadership of Comrade Grace Ike, while denouncing the recent cyberattacks and impersonation of the Union by former Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche.
Held at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Monthly Congress drew over 450 members from across chapels. The session, initially tranquil, transformed into a passionate defense of the Union’s integrity during deliberations on the state of the Union and the nation.
Tempers flared after members were alerted to a brazen breach of the Union’s official social media accounts—its Facebook and Twitter handles—allegedly perpetrated by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche. The former chairman is accused of hacking into the platforms, altering the Union’s name from “NUJ FCT Council” to “Nigeria Media Group”, and replacing the NUJ logo with unauthorized emblems. Documentary evidence of the cyber-vandalism was presented during the meeting.
In an overwhelming show of solidarity, the Congress condemned the act, calling it a “deliberate, malicious sabotage.” Members also expressed disappointment over Ogbeche’s alleged failure to present audited statements from his tenure, including that of his successor and ally, Comrade Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, whose leadership spanned 2023 to 2024.
The Council directed the incumbent Executive, under Comrade Grace Ike, to report the matter to law enforcement authorities in line with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act of 2024 (as amended). Members warned Ogbeche to “desist from dragging the Union into a needless conflict that will not end in his favour.”
Further tensions surfaced as the Congress was briefed on alleged threats and physical aggression from disgruntled members. Comrade Osisam Ede of the Correspondents Chapel revealed he was assaulted by Comrade Emeka Nze of Blueprint Newspaper, who reportedly injured his mouth during a scuffle and issued veiled threats about a planned “unlawful takeover” of the Council. Another member corroborated plots by Comrade Nze and JohnChuks Onuahim to disrupt the administration’s stability.
While the Congress overwhelmingly supported the immediate suspension of the dissenting members, it heeded the advice of the Council’s Legal Adviser, choosing instead to follow due process. The accused individuals were referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee for investigation and appropriate recommendations to the Congress.
Despite the controversy, the Congress unanimously reaffirmed its trust in the current leadership. “We are proud of Comrade Grace Ike’s administration and her commitment to inclusive governance,” one member declared. The vote of confidence signals strong internal support and a united front against external interference.
The Congress also deliberated on the looming three-day protest by over 40,000 workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), scheduled from June 30 to July 2, 2025. Members of NUJ in FCTA and FCDA Chapels are expected to be directly impacted.
In a rare show of diplomacy, the Union commended the Minister of the FCT, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON—popularly known as Mr. Projects—for his consistent engagement with the media and appealed to him to address the concerns of the aggrieved workers.
The Congress ended on a high note, reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, institutional integrity, and principled leadership
