By Our Correspondents

ABUJA — President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, his Lagos state counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode and speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa congratulated the newly-elected President of the Nigerian Union of a Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile and other elected executive members on their victory.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, President Buhari urged the officers and members of the Fourth estate of the realm to work with him to further develop the country.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his government to ensure freedom of the press in Nigeria, believing that the newly-elected NUJ officials had the necessary prerequisites to take the union to greater heights.  

The statement, which read in parts said; “President Buhari believes that with his worthy credentials and antecedents as a highly-respected and reputable professional, Mr. Odusile can be expected to discharge his new responsibility of leading the NUJ to greater heights of accomplishment with distinction.”

Similarly, former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku in a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja yesterday, said; “The time of the emergence of Odusile to lead the NUJ is significant and momentous in view of the mandate by Nigerians to President Muhammadu Buhari to enthrone change in the way they are being governed.”

He also urged him to endeavour to key into the desire of Nigerians for change and good governance and lead the body of journalists to support the anti- corruption campaign of the Buhari administration.

In his own message, Governor Amosun congratulated Odusile, on his election as NUJ’s National President.
Amosun, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, noted that “The election of Odusile would open up new vistas for the practice of journalism in Nigeria.”

Also, Governor Ambode yesterday congratulated Odusile on his election at the weekend.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor commended the peaceful and democratic process that preceded his victory.

He urged Odusile to ensure that professionalism and high ethical standards are entrenched in the practice of journalism in the country.

The governor, who said Odusile’s victory was a validation of vision, consistency and hard work, expressed confidence in his ability as the new NUJ president to take the practice of journalism to the next level in the country.

Also, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has sent a message of congratulation to Odusile, on his success at the polls.

Obasa, while reacting to the NUJ National Delegates election result in a statement in Lagos, also greeted Nigerian journalists on the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.