…Constitutes Ombudsman Committee
The National Assembly New Media Forum (NANMF) on Saturday, 7 February 2026, elected a new Executive Committee, with Comrade Clement C. Nwabuko re-elected as Chairman.
The election, which was monitored by Mr. Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, National Assembly, also saw Pastor Prevail Inegbenose of Spark News Daily emerge as the General Secretary of the Forum.
Other members elected into the Executive Committee include Nancy Okafor as Vice Chairman (Senate), Mercy Gadia as Assistant Secretary, Glory Okon as Treasurer, and Adebola Alesinloye as Financial Secretary.
Inaugurating the new NANMF executives Mr. Adedeji commended the Forum for its professionalism, creativity and sense of unity, describing it as a “family affair,”.
According to him, the conduct and organisation displayed by members earned his respect and admiration.
He said his initial perception of the event changed upon arrival, as he witnessed a rare level of cooperation and mutual understanding among the executives.
“I must commend you. You have really earned my respect,” he said, applauding the peaceful and coordinated manner in which the Forum conducted its internal processes.
Drawing from his experience in managing elections within the National Assembly, Adedeji noted that such harmony was uncommon and worthy of recognition.
He further praised the Forum’s use of visuals and animation, describing the creative output on display as impressive and engaging.
In his acceptance speech, Nwabuko expressed gratitude to members for the renewed confidence reposed in him, describing his re-election as a collective mandate and a renewed call to service.
He commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as a credible, transparent, and unbiased election, noting that the process further strengthened confidence in the Forum’s democratic values. He also appreciated the immediate past Executive Committee for their contributions, acknowledging both the challenges faced and achievements recorded during the previous tenure.
The Chairman assured members that the new Executive Committee would consolidate on past gains, address identified shortcomings, and expand capacity-building initiatives. According to him, efforts would continue to secure and strengthen the Forum’s institutional presence, including office accommodation and enhanced professional relevance.
Nwabuko emphasized that the welfare and professional development of members would be a major focus of the current administration, stressing that a motivated and well-supported membership is critical to the effectiveness of the Forum.
He also announced plans to fast-track the completion of the Forum’s bye-laws to provide a clear regulatory framework for accountability and sustainable growth. As part of measures to promote discipline and responsible conduct among members, the Chairman announced the immediate constitution of an Ombudsman Committee to address issues of misconduct, abuse of privileges, and internal disputes.
Members of the Ombudsman Committee include Nelson Ogbu as Chairman, Joy Odor as Secretary, with Kassem Omomia, Emmanuel Ovuakpore, and Anderson Osiebe as members.
Emphasising the need for professionalism, Nwabuko urged members without requisite journalistic certifications to upgrade their qualifications, describing adherence to professional standards as non-negotiable.
He further announced the establishment of a Membership Admission Screening Committee (MASC) to ensure that only qualified and ethically sound journalists are admitted into the Forum. The committee will be chaired by Moses Idika, with Babalola Lukman as Vice Chairman and Mercy Gadia as Secretary.
Nwabuko stated that the appointments of both committees take immediate effect and will be ratified at the next Congress. He also directed the Electoral Committee to conduct bye-elections for vacant executive positions within 30 days to enable the Executive Committee to function at full capacity.
Calling for unity after the elections, he stressed that there was “no victor and no vanquished,” urging members to set aside differences and work collectively for the progress of the Forum. He assured members that the leadership remains open to new ideas, constructive criticism, and meaningful contributions.