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PRESS RELEASE RE: ASSOCIATION OF EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT MEDIA PROFESSIONALS IS NOT A SPLINTER GROUP OF THE NUJ, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL

 




The leadership of the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (AESDMP) wishes to respond to concerns raised by members following the press release issued on April 23, 2026, by the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsikan Esenowo.


In the said release, published across traditional and social media platforms, the NUJ Secretary warned members against identifying with “unrecognized, unregistered, and unconstitutional splinter groups,” threatening decisive action against defaulters. The statement further urged government agencies, security institutions, corporate bodies, and religious organizations to transact only with the NUJ platform for media-related dealings.


While the NUJ did not specifically mention AESDMP, we issue this clarification for historical record and public enlightenment:


1. *Legal Status and Identity*: The Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals is not a splinter group of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council. AESDMP is a duly registered media advocacy organization under the Corporate Affairs Commission with registration number RC 147803. Founded in July 2020, the Association comprises over 400 seasoned media professionals, communication scholars, program producers, cameramen, credible social media bloggers, and influencers across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. Our mandate is to promote transparency, accountability, and development through strategic and effective dissemination of information.


2. *History of Collaboration*: For several years, AESDMP and the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, have enjoyed robust collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships. Former and current State Chairmen of the NUJ have actively participated in conferences and training programs organised by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals without any contestation of intentions.


3. *Distinct Mandate*: AESDMP has never claimed to be a trade union, nor has it contested the role of the NUJ. The Association has never assumed, impeached, or interfered with the sanctity of the NUJ or sabotaged its activities and programs.


4. *Membership Pedigree*: It is inconceivable that a legally registered organization that counts among its members Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD; Professor Peter Esuh, Professor of Marketing Communication and Semiotics; Professor Herbert Batta, Professor of Science Communication, Media and Information; Professor Charles Obot, Professor of Broadcasting and Political Communication; Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor; Dr. Sunday Antai, former State Chairman of NUJ; and Dr. Essien Ndueso, SSA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, among other eminent professionals, could be described as a splinter group.


5. *On Public Transactions*: Only recognized security or government agencies can lawfully discourage the public from transacting with an organization operating in variance with the law. Any attempt by individuals or organizations to discourage government or corporate entities from engaging with AESDMP is borne out of ignorance of the law, jealousy, or malice.


6. *Media Ecosystem and Freedom of Association*: No individual or organization can arrogate to itself exclusive powers over the broad-based media ecosystem. To do so would imply the power to ban social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, or to suspend members who belong to other professional bodies like Independent Broadcasters or Photographers Associations. We remind all parties of the fundamental right to freedom of association as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.


7. *Legal Recourse*: Any individual or group that links or attempts to brand our duly registered organization as a splinter group should be prepared to face civil and criminal litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction.


8. *Support During NUJ Elections*: If AESDMP were indeed a splinter group, the current leadership of the NUJ would not have consulted us during their electioneering campaign and benefited from our massive support, including financial contributions.


9. *Continued Support for NUJ Leadership*: We reiterate our continued support for one of our own, Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, and Pride of AESDMP. We advise him not to be lured or cajoled by individuals who claim to be “more Catholic than the Pope” into a needless and unconstitutional conflict that was abandoned by his predecessors.


AESDMP remains committed to professionalism, ethical journalism, and constructive partnership with all stakeholders in the media industry.


*Signed:*

  

Elder Edet Okpo, PhD

Chairman  

Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals  


Comrade Jeremiah Edoho 

Secretary  

Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals

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