Comrade Archibong Bassey Re-Elected NUJ Cross River Chair Unopposed, Pledges Greater Unity, Ethical Leadership

 

Comrade Archibong Bassey of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has been re-elected unopposed as Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, at the 2025 Triennial Delegates Conference held in Calabar.

The election, conducted on Wednesday at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, saw five other executive members returned unopposed, reaffirming the confidence of the state’s journalism community in their leadership. The new executive is expected to serve a full three-year term, ending in 2028.

Joining Bassey in the new leadership are Comrade Sunday Inah as Vice Chairperson, Comrade Michael Abang as Secretary, Comrade Kingsley Agim as Assistant Secretary, Comrade Achiane Adams as Treasurer, and Comrade Benedine Tete Anam as Auditor. The elected officials, drawn from various reputable media establishments and ministries, were ratified following a smooth, transparent process overseen by the union’s electoral committee.

The election was supervised by Comrade Opakah Dokubo, Vice President of NUJ Zone F, who represented the National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya. In his post-election remarks, Dokubo commended the Cross River State Council for what he described as “a peaceful and exemplary electoral process.” He said the decision of members to return the executives unopposed was a clear endorsement of their performance and leadership style.

“The unity and political maturity demonstrated by this council are worthy of emulation,” Dokubo stated. “Returning these officers without contest shows an overwhelming level of trust, but it also places on them a higher burden of responsibility.”

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by legal practitioner, Barrister Olive Onah, who charged the officials to remain faithful to the union’s guiding principles—integrity, inclusiveness, and service. She reminded them that leadership within the journalism profession comes with enormous ethical obligations, particularly in today’s fast-changing media landscape.

Also addressing the gathering, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, described the outcome of the conference as a landmark in the union’s democratic journey. He said the re-election of Comrade Bassey and her team reflected both performance and unity of purpose within the council.

“Being returned unopposed is not just a victory but a vote of confidence,” Ekpang said. “This administration must now work harder to set standards that will position the Cross River NUJ as a national reference point in professionalism and cohesion.”

Prominent figures in the media and public service also expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Comrade Timothy Akwaji, a former Head of Service, and Comrade Samuel Egbala, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, praised the continuity and stability within the union, noting that the re-election speaks volumes about the credibility and work ethic of the outgoing officials.

“You don’t change a winning team,” Akwaji remarked, urging the Bassey-led executive to consolidate on previous achievements while addressing outstanding challenges.

In her acceptance speech, Comrade Archibong Bassey expressed gratitude for the renewed mandate, pledging to build on the lessons of the past while fostering greater collaboration and unity among members.

“Our first term was a learning curve. This new term is about deepening our impact, correcting identified lapses, and making the union more responsive to the professional needs of journalists in Cross River,” she said.

Bassey also appealed for a culture of humility and constructive dialogue, encouraging members to share ideas and avoid divisive rhetoric.

“We need to focus more on facts and collective progress. I invite your suggestions—not hearsay—so that we can all grow together,” she added.

Observers have described the peaceful and uncontested re-election as a strong indicator of internal unity and stability. However, it also highlights the importance of maintaining inclusiveness and transparency to ensure sustained credibility and democratic integrity within the NUJ.

Comrade Bassey initially assumed office in May 2025 to complete the tenure of former Chairman, Comrade Nsa Gill, who resigned following his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The conference also featured a keynote address by media scholar, Dr Patrick Ene Okon, who spoke on the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence in journalism. Dr Okon urged Nigerian journalists to embrace new technologies with responsibility, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between innovation and ethical reporting.

The successful conclusion of the 2025 NUJ Triennial Delegates Conference marks a new chapter in the affairs of the Cross River State Council as it moves toward consolidating professional excellence, unity, and proactive leadership.