Dear colleagues, My name is Abdulwaheed Odusile, the immediate past president of the NUJ.
Let me first of all, thank you for the support you gave me during the last three years of our administration and for your votes, aimed at securing a second term, which the Almighty God did not destine at this time.
To all our supporters, please do not despair as it is the will of God, who gives power to whom he wishes. I thank you all.
However, it has come to my attention that some wicked lies are being peddled through whatsapp messages, over the account of my stewardship.
It has been alleged that I collected money from politicians and pocketed same.
Some people have accused me of collecting N10m from the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; N5m from Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel Udom; N10m from Governor Ganduje of Kano and N15m from Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.
They also accused me of making away with N35m and refused to pay debts incurred on the delegates conference.
These are just the ones brought to my notice, who knows how many lies that are still flying out there.
My dear colleagues, these are all fabricated stories.
I make bold to say that, apart from Ogun State Government that assisted us with N5m, we did not collect a dime from all the aforementioned.
And the cheque of N5m issued by Ogun State Government was handed over to the Ogun State NUJ chairman and the LOC.
I am not even aware of how they disbursed the money, though I know that there are challenges in offsetting the hotel bills of over 800 rooms for delegates. I have contacted the governor, who promised to look into it.
I have also spoken with my immediate predecessor, who is the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Mallam Garba Muhammed, he denied knowledge of any money released by his state government.
So, I challenge anybody to come up with proof of any or all of these allegations.
Much of these were said during the campaign which we ignored because of the exigencies of the period but I believe that the campaign of calumny should have stopped by now since politics is over.
Our audited report is open to all and I am around and available at all times to give account of my stewardship. A clear conscience fears no accusation.
For those spreading rumours that I ran away for the fear of being arrested by EFCC, please let me be and be informed that I am very much with you and I will be available to answer your questions during the handover ceremony.
Election has been won and lost, a new regime has emerged and I have moved on with my life.
Thank you.
Abdulwaheed Odusile
Former President, NUJ.
