The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Imo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Thursday, elected Chinazo Ilechukwu as the new chairman of the chapel during a by-election.

Mr Ilechukwu, a staff member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), emerged as the winner with 17 votes out of the 30 accredited votes in a by-election conducted by the acting chairman of the chapel, Collins Osuji.

Mr Ilechukwu, who was immediately sworn in by the NUJ chairman, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, contested against Everest Ezihe, who got 12 votes, and Ambi Unaeze, who got a lone vote.

In his speech, Mr Nwanguma commended members of the chapel for the transparent manner of the election and for maintaining decorum throughout the process.

He urged the members to support the new chairman wholeheartedly for the progress of the chapel and its members.

He stated, “I am satisfied with the election process, and I congratulate you for successfully choosing your new leader.

“The correspondents’ chapel has always been a premium chapel and, as such, should continue to progress; please accord your chairman every respect befitting his office.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr Ilechukwu expressed appreciation for his election and appealed to other executives and correspondent members for their support in his desire to reposition the chapel.

He also thanked other contenders for their peaceful conduct during and after the election.

 “The rebuilding of the chapel is not only for the executive; I welcome the contributions of all members to enable us to achieve our aim as soon as possible.

“Now is the time to close ranks and restore our chapel; let us explore our contacts and reposition ourselves,” Mr Ilechukwu said.

The election followed the resignation of the previous chairman, Chinonso Alozie, before the end of his tenure.

(NAN)