THE EAR WITNESS – LEGAL OPINION
EIGHT YEARS IN COURT: NUJ RIVERS CORRESPONDENTS’ CHAPEL DISPUTE HEADS FOR JUDGMENT AFTER PROTRACTED LEGAL BATTLE
By Emeka Amaefula —
The long-running case of Akpekwu Christopher Imbufe & Ors v Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) & Ors, Suit No. NICN/PHC/04/2018, pending before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, is set to reach a decisive milestone as judgment has been fixed for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
After more than eight years of litigation, the matter stands as one of the most prolonged intra-union electoral disputes in Nigeria’s industrial jurisprudence.
Parties to the Suit
The case is led by:
- Akpekwu Christopher Imbufe (Lead Claimant)
- Alongside other aggrieved members of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel (as listed in originating court processes)
Against:
- Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)
- Officials of the Rivers State Council of NUJ
- Members of the Correspondents’ Chapel executive at the time
- Including Ernest Chinwo and other defendants as contained in the court filings
(Note: The full list of parties is contained in the originating and amended processes before the court.)
Judicial History of the Case (2018–2026)
The case has passed through multiple judicial hands due to institutional and unforeseen circumstances:
- Hon. Justice Auwal Ibrahim – Initially presided over the matter in early 2018 before his untimely death
- Hon. Justice Sylvester Ogboanya – Took over during the early reassignment phase
- Subsequent administrative reassignments within the NICN system
- Hon. Justice Amenze B. Mohammed – Currently presiding judge before whom final hearing was concluded
These transitions significantly contributed to the prolonged lifespan of the case.
The Controversy Beyond the Courtroom
The dispute extended beyond legal arguments into the public domain, drawing media attention and internal division within the Rivers NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel.
A notable publication by Towncrier Online titled “The Face of a Liar — Ernest Chinwo” brought heightened scrutiny to the role of one of the defendants. The publication alleged inconsistencies in positions taken during the dispute and reflected the deep fractures within the union at the time.
While the article formed part of the broader public narrative, the issues raised therein remain subject to judicial determination and should be viewed within the context of ongoing litigation.
Police Angle: Mile One Diobu Division
The dispute also reportedly attracted the attention of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly at the Mile One Diobu Police Division, Rivers State Command.
Available accounts indicate that:
- Complaints were made concerning tensions surrounding the election process
- The police documented statements from involved parties
- No conclusive criminal findings were publicly established
The police involvement underscores the intensity of the disagreement but does not substitute for judicial findings now before the National Industrial Court.
Core Legal Questions Before the Court
As judgment approaches, the court is expected to resolve:
- Whether the claimants were lawfully qualified to contest the 2018 election
- Whether their disqualification violated the NUJ constitution
- Whether the election conducted on January 26, 2018 complied with due process
- Whether the defendants acted improperly despite pending litigation
- Whether reliefs can still be granted after the passage of time
The Reality of Delay
From 2018 to 2026, the case has outlived:
- The tenure of the contested offices
- Several of the original parties
- Multiple judicial assignments
This raises a recurring concern in Nigerian jurisprudence: the effect of prolonged litigation on the practical value of justice.
Judgment Set for April 30, 2026
The fixing of judgment for Thursday, April 30, 2026 marks a critical turning point.
Regardless of outcome, the decision is expected to:
- Clarify the legality of the 2018 NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel election
- Define the limits of union autonomy
- Set precedent for future intra-union electoral disputes
Conclusion
The case of Akpekwu Christopher Imbufe & Ors v NUJ & Ors is more than a legal contest—it is a reflection of institutional governance, professional accountability, and the enduring role of the courts in resolving internal conflicts.
As the National Industrial Court prepares to deliver judgment, the journalism community—and indeed the wider public—awaits a decision that will finally close an eight-year chapter in Rivers State’s media history.
Emeka Amaefula Jp
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