By The Evangelist Reporter
The Pioneer Treasurer of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, and General Manager of Redemption FM, Abak, Comrade Comfort Umanah, has called on union leaders to uphold integrity, constitutional governance and financial accountability as essential pillars of effective leadership.
Speaking at the NUJ Leadership Summit held in Uyo on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the administration of the Akwa Ibom State Council Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, Umanah stressed that every union leader must have a sound understanding of the NUJ Constitution, describing it as indispensable to leadership.
According to him, “For any union leader to effectively coordinate the affairs of the Union and discharge the responsibilities of office, reading and understanding the Constitution of the Union is as indispensable as reading the Bible.”
He warned against the growing tendency among some labour leaders to cultivate artificial lifestyles beyond their legitimate means, noting that such behaviour often results in the mismanagement of union funds and compromises transparency.
Umanah observed that financial honesty remains the bedrock of credible leadership, cautioning that attempts to conceal financial impropriety through delayed audit reports ultimately erode the confidence of members.
Reflecting on the challenges of leading the NUJ in today’s Nigeria, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, he urged union executives to preserve the integrity of the organisation by resisting undue influence from political office holders.
He maintained that the NUJ must continue to uphold its role as the “Watchdog of Society” and should never become a propaganda platform for those in authority. He also advised union leaders to allow the elected Public Relations Officer to perform official communication duties while respecting the professional independence of journalists who choose to hold government accountable.
The veteran journalist further emphasised that leadership requires openness to criticism, divergent opinions and constructive engagement, insisting that accountability, rather than intolerance, strengthens any democratic institution.
Describing struggle as the essence of trade unionism, Umanah urged the NUJ leadership to always stand in solidarity with legitimate causes championed by labour unions and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
To strengthen the financial independence of the Union, he encouraged members to meet their financial obligations while challenging leaders to develop sustainable internally generated revenue through cooperative societies, investments in Federal Government bonds, fixed deposits and dividend-yielding shares.
According to him, such investments would reduce dependence on external patronage and enable the Union to finance its activities without compromising its independence.
He concluded by reminding leaders that political and organisational power is temporary, urging them to leave behind legacies of integrity, accountability and selfless service.
Quoting an Ibibio proverb, Umanah said, “Inuen afureke ke anyong, akpọ anyoŋ isọn,” underscoring the transient nature of power and the enduring value of honourable leadership.
Solomon Okpo
