The Ogun State Chapter of Freelance and Independent Broadcaster Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) has refuted claim by an acclaimed Chairman of the Ogun state council of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Soji Amosu that FIBAN members took part in it’s election held in 2019.
The state Chairman of FIBAN, Olufemi Samuel Omilani however distanced the association from a claim by Amosu that FIBAN participated in an NUJ election held in 2019 and warned him not to drag the association into the crisis currently going on in the union.
Omilani described the claim as false and untrue, noting that FIBAN only came to observe the election as a sister’s organization.
He however gave Amosu a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw that statement and tender public apology or face the wrath of the law.
He added, “In an interview on Splash 106.7 FM, Abeokuta, on 2nd of March 2021, Soji Amosu claimed that FIBAN members were listed as electorates in an NUJ election that held in 2019.
“We hereby wish to state categorically that Soji Amosu lied and that is the least expected of someone who is laying claim to an exalted position such as the Chairmanship of NUJ. It is either he deliberately wish to be mischievous or he is confused. For the records, the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) is a reputable organization that does not involve in any unlawful activity.
“Ordinarily, we would have taken it as the statement of a sinking man and ignored it in its entirety because he is not worthy of our response but for the treasured image of our association and the general public that might be misled, we wish to put the records straight.
“The fact of the matter is that on the day of the election, myself and a few members of our association had gone to Iwe Irohin, venue of the election, to observe their election as a sister organization in solidarity with them as they did during the election that brought me into office and the ones before mine. At no time was any FIBAN member given ballot paper (s) to vote or listed as electorate.
“While we advise Soji Amosu to face his problems and not drag our United and peacefully association into their leadership tussle, he is by this statement given seven (7) days ultimatum to withdraw that statement and tender public apology to the association, else we will be left with no option than to take legal action.”
