Nwabuko returns as NANMF chair, pledges welfare, professionalism
By Comfort Chukwukelue
Comrade Clement Nwabuko has been re-elected as the Chairman of the National Assembly New Media Forum for a fresh two-year term, with a pledge to deepen members’ welfare and entrench professionalism.
Nwabuko was returned unopposed during the NANMF election held in Abuja on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech, Nwabuko thanked members for the renewed confidence, describing his re-election as a collective mandate and a call to service. He also commended the electoral committee for a “credible, transparent, and unbiased process,” noting that the exercise reinforced the forum’s democratic values.
The chairman acknowledged the contributions of the immediate past executive committee, highlighting the challenges and achievements of the previous tenure. He assured members that the new leadership would consolidate on past gains, address shortcomings, and expand capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, the welfare and professional development of members will remain a top priority, stressing that a motivated membership is critical to the relevance of the forum. He added that efforts would continue to secure the NANMF’s institutional presence, including office accommodation and official recognition.
As part of reforms to strengthen accountability, Nwabuko announced plans to fast-track the completion of the forum’s bye-laws to provide a clear regulatory framework. He also unveiled the immediate constitution of an Ombudsman Committee to address issues of misconduct, abuse of privileges, and internal disputes.
The Ombudsman Committee includes Nelson Ogbu as Chairman and Joy Odor as Secretary, with Kassem Omomia, Emmanuel Ovuakpore, and Anderson Osiebe as members.
Emphasising that professionalism was non-negotiable, the chairman urged members without requisite journalistic certifications to upgrade their qualifications in line with best practices. He further announced the establishment of a Membership Admission Screening Committee to ensure that only qualified and ethically sound journalists are admitted.
The MASC will be chaired by Moses Idika, with Babalola Lukman as Vice Chairman and Mercy Gadia as Secretary.
Nwabuko said the appointments take immediate effect and will be ratified at the next congress. He also directed the electoral committee to conduct bye-elections for vacant executive positions within 30 days to enable the committee to function at full capacity.
Calling for unity, he stressed that there was “no victor and no vanquished,” urging members to work collectively for the progress of the forum.
Other elected members of the executive committee include Nancy Okafor, Vice Chairman (Senate); Prevail Inegbenosa, General Secretary; Mercy Gadia, Assistant Secretary; Glory Okon, Treasurer; and Adebola Alesinloye, Financial Secretary.
