Correspondents’ Chapel Suspends Anambra NAWOJ Chairperson, Tochukwu Ifejika

By Our correspondent

The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists( NUJ), Anambra State Council, has suspended Mrs. Tochukwu Ifejika, Chairperson of the Anambra chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), for engaging in anti-union activities and other infractions.

A letter signed by Chapel Chairman Chuks Ilozue and Secretary Lucy Osuizigbo stated that Ifejika’s actions contravened the union’s constitution, which emphasizes internal conflict resolution.

Specifically, the Correspondents’ Chapel leadership, said Ifejika took union matters to the Department of State Security Service (DSS), making baseless allegations that damaged the chapel’s reputation and leadership.

The suspension letter read in part: “You have been engaging in activities directly contrary to the values of this organization, including undermining the union’s integrity and fostering a divisive environment among members.”

Ifejika is required to refrain from chapel-related duties during the suspension period, pending further investigation.

She will be notified about potential further actions, including a hearing to address these matters.

The letter of suspension reads:

[We are writing to formally notify you of your immediate suspension from the Correspondents’ Chapel, due to breaches of conduct, including involvement in anti-union activities.

It has come to our attention that you have been engaging in activities that are directly contrary to the values of this organisation, including undermining the union’s integrity and fostering a divisive environment among members.

In addition, you took issues of the Chapel to the Department of State Security Service (DSS), and making baseless allegations thereby showing disdain for the chapel which have resulted in significant damage to the reputation of the Chapel and its leadership.

As part of the suspension, you are required to refrain from any duty related to the Chapel for the duration of the suspension period, pending further investigation.

You will be notified in due course regarding any further actions, including the possibility of a hearing to address these matters.

Ifejika’s suspension comes barely 24 hours after the chapel suspended Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, Chairman of the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), for similar offences.]

It’s worth noting that both Odogwu and Ifejika were suspended as members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, where they held nominal memberships, rather than in their capacities as NUJ and NAWOJ chairpersons, respectively.