AESDMP rejects ‘Splinter Group’ tag, backs NUJ

Etim Ekpimah

The Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals (AESDMP) has refuted claims that it is a splinter group of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, insisting it is a legally recognised and independent media body.

The association clarified in response to a press release issued on April 23, 2026, by the NUJ State Secretary, Comrade Nsikan Esenowo, which warned journalists against associating with “unrecognised, unregistered and unconstitutional splinter groups,” and threatened sanctions against defaulters.

Elder Edet Okpo (PhD), the association’s chairman, and Comrade Jeremiah Edoho, Secretary, Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, on Friday, 24 April 2026, noted that although AESDMP was not mentioned in the statement, the group stated it was compelled to respond for the sake of public enlightenment and proper documentation.

AESDMP stated that it is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under registration number RC 147803. Established in July 2020, the association comprises over 400 media professionals, including communication scholars, programme producers, cameramen, bloggers and digital influencers across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.

It noted that its core mandate is to promote transparency, accountability and development through strategic information dissemination.

The group highlighted its longstanding collaboration with the NUJ, noting that past and present state chairmen of the union had participated in its conferences and training programmes without any dispute.

AESDMP emphasised that it is not a trade union and has never sought to rival or undermine the NUJ, nor interfere in its activities.

To underscore its credibility, the association listed notable members, including Senator Ekong Sampson; Professors Peter Esuh, Herbert Batta and Charles Obot; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh; former NUJ State Chairman, Dr Sunday Antai; and Dr Essien Ndueso, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation.

On public transactions, AESDMP argued that only recognised regulatory or security agencies have the authority to restrict organisations from operating, describing any attempt to discourage engagement with it as baseless and ill-informed.

The association also stressed that no organisation can claim a monopoly over the media ecosystem, citing the constitutional right to freedom of association as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

It warned that any attempt to label it a splinter group could attract civil and criminal litigation.

AESDMP further disclosed that it supported the current NUJ leadership during its electioneering, including by offering financial contributions, and questioned the basis for any contrary claims.

Reaffirming its stance, the association pledged continued support for the NUJ Chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Nsibiet John, while cautioning against actions that could ignite unnecessary conflict.

AESDMP reiterated its commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the media industry.