Lagos journalists angry over NUJ’s new committee on N1.6bn land fraud

…Emotions rising against Odusile's leadership

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By Femi SHODUNKE

NIGERIA: A HORDE of journalists in Lagos State Council are angry with the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over alleged attempt to jettison the recommendations of the investigative panel on the N1.6 billion Mowe (Abaren)/Pen-Jewel land scandal.
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NUJ, led by Alhaji Waheed Odusile, the National President, had last June 30, at the end of its Sokoto meeting, resolved to set up a committee to advise it on the land fraud report.

“The report of the Lagos Council on Abaren Land was received and deliberated on,” the NUJ said in its communique signed by the union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman.
“NEC directs that a committee be set up to advise it on the proper line of action to take,” the union stressed.
It will be recalled that an investigative panel set up by the Lagos State Council of NUJ had found the National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs. Anthonia Ifeyinwa Omowole, guilty of financial mishandling of the fund meant for the construction of the proposed housing estate.
In addition to Omowole, the panel headed by Mr. Fabian Anawo of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), also indicted the association’s former Treasurer, Mrs. Tosin Odusola, and the immediate past Chairman of the Lagos Council of NUJ, Mr. Deji Elumoye.
Besides recommending refund of millions of naira allegedly mismanaged, the investigative body also urged the council to ban the offending officers from holding NUJ positions within the next 10 years, as punishment to serve as deterrent to others.
But, Omowole at the Sokoto meeting stoutly defended herself in a 17-point letter, denying any infraction in all the transactions regarding the 56.753 hectares proposed housing estate.
Omowole’s defence, titled “My Testament,” came barely four months after the sitting of the investigative panel and three months after the approval of the body’s recommendations by the Lagos Council and journalists in the South West axis of the union.
However, while reacting to the NEC decision to set up an “advisory body”, the peeved journalists, many of whose money were trapped in the failed project, lambasted the union leadership, accusing it of alleged complicity in the fraud and move to stall the prosecution of the Omowole and others involved in the housing scheme.
In fact, the Lagos State Council Chairman of NUJ, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, expressed shock on Omowole’s allegation of bias against the panel, to which she allegedly apologised on her untidy roles in the financial handling of the land.

He said: “Dear colleagues it is rather curious that suddenly Mrs. Ify Omowole has finally found her voice to reply every aspect of the report.  We are awaiting the responses of Mrs. Tosin Odusola and Mr. Deji Elumoye.
“It is also interesting that Mrs. Ify Omowole has finally eaten her words of apology on her mistakes over the land issue.  Our revered elders will find this interesting.”
“The NEC should also note that Mrs. Ify Omowole’s lawyer has written a letter to the NUJ national Secretariat to sue Lagos council for libel on the Abaren land report.  It is really an interesting time,” the Chairman stressed.
“The Lagos Council will appreciate her defence at the EFCC,” Akinreti said, adding: “Our prayer at the NEC is simple.  The council is informing NEC officially on proceeding to the EFCC for justice.”
After the NUJ decision, the Chairman told his colleagues: “Good morning colleagues, fraternal greetings. NUJ NEC has ruled that a committee will be set up to look into the Abarenland report and to fact finding with a view to resolve the issue at stake.
“I humbly seek for your understanding and calmness.  Be assured that justice will be done. A stakeholders meeting will be convened when the committee is available in Lagos.”
Similarly, the Secretary of the land scandal committee, Mr. Muyiwa Lucas, expressed shock on NAWOJ chairperson’s defence.
Lucas said on the WhatsApp group of the Lagos Council: “Gentlemen of the Press, I just read the submissions of Mrs. Ify Omowole.  I cannot help laughing and rolling on the floor.  It’s a shame that a so-called national leader can be full of lies all in a bid to exonerate herself.

“It is even more surprising that Mrs. Omowole has just now found the courage to want to defend herself…an effort that is in futility given that lies, no matter how beautifully packaged, cannot stand the test of time.
“I will not take much of your time, my esteemed colleagues.  But let’s examine a little of the issues.  Mrs. Omowole claimed to have appeared before the committee three times.  Big lie.  She was invited only once, with an agreement that we can talk on phone subsequently should the need arise.  She claims she did not act unilaterally…hmm, another lie.
“We asked her to produce minutes where the agreement to withdraw or transfer $227,000 was reached.  Mrs. Omowole could not.  She also claimed the land was not ceded to the developer…biggest lie.   Check the relevant sections on this in the MoU. “Curiously, Omowole claims the lawyers were present at the signing of the MoU…waoh…I still dey laugh oo…it means the lawyers must be queried for not appending their signatures to the MoU they witnessed.  I recollect how Mrs. Omowole was shaking when the committee brought out a copy of the MoU sent to the committee by the developer.
“Of course, we asked her for the MoU, but she refused to bring same, not knowing that the developer had availed us of same.  The committee asked her to bring her own MoU if she doubted the one given to us by d developer, she couldn’t until the committee concluded its findings.  A lot of things my people.  Why did Omowole tell the committee after over two hours of interrogation that ‘I have learnt my lessons?”
The panel scribe declared: “Please, let Omowole go to court.  When a masquerade wants to embarrass himself, he will call for heavy rain to fall.  Mrs. Omowole can brag now because of the Nigerian factor that has delayed the report from being executed three months after it was ratified by congress.

“Not to waste una time, please House, compel Lagos Council executives to make public on this platform, the unedited version of Omowole’s session with the committee.  The MoU should also be made available on the platform, at least we all can read and write.
“In a saner clime, where people have integrity, Mrs. Omowole would have resigned as NAWOJ president by now following the Abaren Mowe land debacle.  But now ‘Corruption is trying to fight back.”
A visibly angry Lucas expressed anger on the decision of NEC, saying “with due respect, this is all thrash.  It’s just grandstanding on the part of the national body.”
“Ultimately, the aim is to give the actors soft landing.  Remember national election is around the corner.  Nobody is a fool here.  So, all NEC could do after three months of Lagos congress ratifying the report and also Zonal ratifying same is to set up a committee to review the report?” Lucas queried.
He further showed his anger thus: “So why waste peoples’ time now when all that would be done is to set up committee?  Why was the committee not set up immediately?  Why did national NUJ not act on the matter for two years after a petition and cry for help was sent to her by concerned persons?  Suddenly, the national body is now alive!
“Anyway, this is what the political class do as well, while we criticize them on the pages of our newspapers and other platforms.  With this act of NEC, do we as journalists still have the moral right to criticize politicians?  NEC, in this matter, ought to have invited the committee to its sitting to face the principal actors and also seek clarification on the report if in doubt.
“But they can’t for obvious reasons!  I, as Secretary of the Land Committee, challenge NEC to summon the committee for a face-to-face meeting with the principal actors.  It’s a shame that people that could not talk, people that were tensed, people that were shaking and labouring to defend themselves, people that were practically begging and appealing, for over two hours before the committee, have suddenly now found their voice obviously after several dress rehearsals.”

“Is it not curious that when these actors signed the MoU, they did not include the date signed.  It was only Mr. Deji Elumoye that wrote the date beneath his signature.  The documents are there for all to see,” he further said.
He queried: “Why was Mrs. Omowole stunned and shocked when the committee brought out the MoU?  She obviously didn’t expect to see it with the committee because we asked her to bring the MoU and she failed to do so.”
“Finally, like I always say, I do not have one kobo investment in Abaren land, so I have no sentimental attachment.  However, in an unjust society, silence is a crime.  I will not keep quiet in the face of open lies to subvert the truth,” Lucas stressed.
He declared: “Subscribers to the scheme, it’s up to you all to fight for justice and get your money back knowing how hard you worked for it.  Don’t wait for any NEC, organise yourselves and institute a class action suit against people that have mismanaged your money and technically taken your land from you, shikena!”
Lucas further declared: “Let us all know that at the end of this Abaren land debacle, the question would be asked ‘what did u you; what role did you play to either subvert or uphold justice?
“Posterity will judge everyone accordingly, including those pretending and refusing to speak out on this matter when they should…such hypocrisy!  It should be noted that this is not Dr. Akinreti’s or exco struggle alone; neither is it committee struggle.  It ought to be a collective struggle.  Don’t sell your tomorrow because of today.
But, the Chairman of the land probe panel, Fabian Anawo, sounded philosophical on the NEC decision.

Anawo said: “Sokoto is becoming a notable state in the affairs of Lagos journalists.  Sokoto it was where our own Ladi Lawal was elected National President.  Sokoto is again going to play a major role in a major crisis in Lagos Council.
“May God help us with the lies being bandied about by a key actor of the Abaren land.  I only pray that papa God will give NEC the courage to stand by the truth and the wish of our members who subscribed to the land.”
But, Abayomi Ajibola, ex-Chairman, Daily Independent Chapel of Lagos NUJ, expressed opposition to the new committee.
He told fellow journalists: “People should not see NEC as the court or where they will get justice.  It is not in the character of the National Secretariat to be firm on this issue otherwise what is the protocol in studying the Lagos Council’s position for so long?
“If those indicted get shelter then we should note the music director there.  To have been treating individuals as if they have higher stake than a whole council is barbaric?”
“Will mere petition repays people’s money with interest?  I am still at a loss how this matter drags this far in the name of NEC meeting.  Simple Adhoc committee would have look at it and pass recommendations within one week.  After the Zonal NUJ passed its own verdict, what special interest is in the fake and awkward petitions? Ajibola, who is the Publisher of The Lead Online newspaper, queried.
Not yet done, he declared: “People who are now petition writers who could not study a worthless and shameless agreement with the so-called contactor.  Journalists indeed they are and their masters.  Without time for the committee and deadline?  What is all these Abuja game?  Justice delayed is justice denied.  People are funny.

“Any big deal about NUJ national exco?  The difference between many of us and them is just mere election.  This reasoning is belated.  We are wiser than this.  This Ifeyinwa Omowole (Mrs.) is not a worthy leader of NAWOJ without any apology.  The committee does not need her consent to present report at any level.  Rushing or running to NUJ NEC for delay tactics won’t help her situation.
“Here is a woman who was given more than enough time to defend herself despite her overwhelming contradictory submissions.  I am not the court or a judge, however, with glaring case of insincerity and inhuman treatment meted out to fellow journalists through her office that had embarrassed the intelligence of journalism, I wonder why she is still parading herself as NAWOJ National Chairperson.”
He further said: “Truth has no tribal mark except that it’s a constant Jupiter across the globe.  History and law will be very harsh on her tenure with the so-called dubious contractor.  Conscience is an open wound only truth can heal it.  Let it be known that on this date we join the nobles to reject this kleptomaniac postulation of greed.
Ajibola took a swipe at the union.  He declared: “NUJ needs a new dawn concerning leadership that will be firm on key issues without fear or favour.  At the last NEC, just simple resolution that ‘anyone so indicted on Lagos land crisis should be charged to competent court of jurisdiction where they would legally open their defense, yet they failed and resorted to excise and known tactics of the 13th century.
“It is a shame that fellow respected journalists were dodging motion begging for attention.  What more again?  The NEC has put itself in dilemma.  After the investigation by the committee on Abaren land and resolution of the Lagos Congress duly supported by the Zonal NUJ, what was the process that was left to be done?

“Very strange, if this union would not trust its organs; are they saying that NEC is the court?  It is clear that the body lacks the manpower, time and energy to do the exercise it has dragged itself into without any prompting or clear constitutional backing.
“Where is the section of the NUJ constitution other than mere pronouncements that backed the NEC on this Israelite journey?  What will they ever come up with?  Who will they impress?  The image of the union was dragged in the mud by a few that were being treated with kit gloves.”
Ajibola further declared: “Certainly, there is need for strong men to have a strong union.  Barrack Obama said Africa needed strong institutions not strong men.  I disagree, now we need both.  Delay is dangerous if we must rescue this NUJ.  This is a test case for integrity.  We fear no foe on matter of justice, never would I sit on the fence no matter whose ox is gored.”
A respected journalist who preferred anonymity told GatewayMail: “The grand plan is taking shape.  They have moved a motion now to form a committee on the Lagos housing fraud.  Is it their business?  They will now put Ify’s friends in the committee and upturn the Lagos committee report.”
Also, expressing anger, Alade Tasma said: “This is ‘stories for the gods’.  Justice delayed is justice denied.  To the Waheed Odusile-led NEC, we are watching and we shall hit back at the right time.”
“If it took the national body this long to set up this committee, we should ask if the committee was given any timeline to submit its report?  We all know the national election is around the corner,” the immediate past Vice Chairman, Lagos Council of the NUJ, Jimoh Babatunde, said.

He queried: “The question is whose interest the NEC is serving?  We are waiting to see how this will end.  But those involve should know that there is no hiding place for the…”
“I would have loved the NEC to ratify the decision of the state and the zone, but now that they’ve taken a different position we need reassurance that they are not toeing the line people have been suspecting.  Time will tell,” Babatunde angrily further said.
Also expressing displeasure, Funso Olojo said: “Many of us are not surprised at the pussyfooting of the NEC.  We all know the role Deji Elumoye played in the election of the National NUJ chair and this is the pay back time.  All of them have been shamelessly compromised.
“Anyway, the subscribers should take their destiny in their own hands.  If we expect any justice from this highly timid and compromised NEC and its kangaroo committee, then that means we are living in fool’s paradise.”
“The present Lagos NUJ exco should be on the side of the suffering subscribers and ensure that justice is done.  For those who are playing politics with our emotion and welfare, they should know that the wicked shall not go unpunished,” Olojo stressed.
“But how on earth can journalists (so-called conscience of a nation) do this to their colleagues and be walking tall? Alex Akao wondered, while a veteran journalist, Ogbeni Goke Odeyinka, declared in a response: “Thanks Muyiwa for saying the obvious.  Nothing good will come out of this lame committee.  It’s all tricks of ‘politrikcians’ of the NUJ at the center.  God of vengeance and power shall surely hear the cries and prayers of the defrauded subscribers in the name of Jesus.”

“Same point VC.  That is what I’m saying.  The committee may not act as quickly as we want so if we have other ways of helping ourselves, what is wrong with that?” Lekan Osiade tasked fellow aggrieved journalists.
He further said: “My point is simple; by any legal means necessary.  It is better to try and be turned down than not trying at all.”
“I want to recall if I am correct when the national made that statement during Lagos council congress in March which he (Odusile) attended that the case be referred to NEC for ratification,” a journalist who styled himself as Le President said, adding: “I am still not sure if NEC can actually stand the test of reality and not politics.”
“If constitutionally NEC has power and they can’t do the needful, I won’t be surprised of the outcome of the mess in the coming weeks!  NEC should prepare for war!” he stressed.
Remmy Nweke said: “Like I noted earlier, all that is required is to pass resolution for and by affected council members to take action even if it means getting signatures and ask our lawyer to start the requisite petition to relevant authorities and include NUJ NEC as defendant to it.”
Nweke emphasised: “It seems there is now collusion on the land matters, otherwise individuals can institute case against the current NEC as it’s beyond any reasonable position to stand against that committee report.

“Except all the monies are refunded into NUJ account in the next 30 days after the meeting of the resolution, then the matter can be rested.  Above all, it means no meaningful project will ever come out of NUJ council due to eroded trust.  My humble submission.”
But, a former Chairperson of NAWOJ in the Lagos Council, Mrs. Dupe Olaoye- Osinkolu, added a new dimension, apparently alleging that some leaders of the NUJ might have benefited from the fund involved in the housing scheme.
Olaoye-Osinkolu declared: “Until we see the names of the beneficiaries of monies from the fake account called NAWOJ Cooperative, opened in Access Bank, people may not really know why some power brokers are protecting the fraud.”
“The day the Head of Operations (EFCC) ordered the account to be printed, we saw the reaction of those who opened it,” she said, adding: “Let the statement be printed and posted here, I so move. Good day, blessed colleagues.”
An angry Nnamdi Onyeuma emphasised: “@Waheed Odusile.  Whatever!  I had told you privately and won’t ever stop until thieves: Ifeyinwa Omowole, Deji Elumoye and Tosin Odusola are brought to book.
“You are the problem, not even the thieves!  I have all the documents and audio recordings of their time with the panel.  And, I am sure you have them, too.  So, explain to the world why you are bent on holding people, who seek justice hostage?”

Onyeuma queried: “What is the business of your NEC with the Lagos housing scam? Why didn’t you invite the panel members that indicted the thieves, banned them for 10 years and ordered them to make refunds to face one another if you had doubt over the report, rather than starting all over.  And, probably get Ifeyinwa’s friends together to cause confusion.
“Now, only you know when your committee would be formed.  Only you know when they will conclude.  I mean, after all these years and in the face of facts pointing to misappropriation!”
“Really, who the hell are you to play politics with people’s investment?  And, why did it take you this long and doing so against the opinions of most of your so-called NEC members, who say, ‘it is entirely your decision to review the panel’s report?” Onyeuma declared.
While expressing anger further, he stressed: “Worse still, you were told a month before it became public knowledge that Ifeyinwa…, single-handedly withdrew $227, 000.  What did you do?  The same Ifeyinwa on record admitted to ordering most withdrawals on phone!
“No minutes of meetings.  No files or records of crucial documents, including the so-called MoU signed with the developer at the Secretariat!  The panel had to get a copy of the MoU from the developer!  And, you are not angry at that?  A subscriber!  All you did was to campaign for Ifeyinwa’s re-election!

“Why is it a hard work for you to get off the back of these thieves?  Why are you playing politics with people’s sweat…why?  Or, could you be afraid Ifeyinwa might blackmail you?  You confirmed to me that you asked EFCC to let you handle the matter.

“You also confirmed to calling some editors to stop reports on these thieves as, according to you, it would hurt the media in Nigeria.  Good, but how well have you helped, especially those who died, waiting, to get justice?  Please, rescind your decision to further ‘delay, review, rewind, or replay’ the Lagos panel’s report.  Stop playing god!”
He further said: “But I can assure you that this matter will never go away until every stolen kobo is returned.  Never!  I hear you want to ride on its back to secure support and re-election.
“But truth is, this matter will stand between you and your ambition.  If you truly want to secure re-election, hands off this matter, stand on the side of justice and the people will hail and vote for you.
“Yes; because you didn’t pay for other subscribers.  Truth walks naked, but lies will always need dressed up.  All powers belong to God.  I don’t have anything against you.  But on this matter, it is a no-no, for me.  I know how much a dollar exchanged when I ran around Lagos looking for where to buy.  I never knew I was happily paying into scammers vault.”

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