The proposed merger of all Maritime Media Organizations ran into serious hitch at the weekend with the pulling out of its most senior partner – the League of Maritime Editors (LOME).
Earlier, three associations had agreed to fuse into what is called Association of Maritime journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
Those groups include – The League of Maritime Editors, Non – Aligned and Maritime Correspondents of Nigeria (MARCON).
At the groups’ rescheduled general meeting at the weekend attended by the merging groups except MARCON; the League of Maritime Editors expressed disappointment over what it called ‘name –dropping’.
The league said some members had portrayed unprofessional behavior, and considered it as one of the key reasons for its decision to opt out of the proposed merger.
The League also frowned at the hijacking of the intended new Association by seemingly unqualified persons masquerading as journalists and whose motive it described as ‘self-serving.’
The League further expressed displeasure at the way the good intention of the Hon. Minister of
Transportation Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was derailed by greed, inordinate ambition and the cantankerous attitude of those jostling to lead the new association.
Transportation Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was derailed by greed, inordinate ambition and the cantankerous attitude of those jostling to lead the new association.
The editors said the development heated up the polity thereby forcing the League to recall its member who was serving as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee – Chief Timothy Paul
Okorocha, who thus, resigned as chairman.
Okorocha, who thus, resigned as chairman.
At the meeting, three-time MARAN President Ray Ugochukwu as well as David Olademeji -a member of the Electoral Committee pleaded with the League to have a rethink, but it insisted on pulling out.
Notwithstanding the turn of events, the League of Maritime Editors pledged its unflinching support to work harmoniously with the Hon. Minister of Transportation in his quest to reposition the maritime industry.
Signed: President, Ovie Edomi, and Secretary General, Eddie Iroha
