The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has come under scrutiny after conferring a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, who is currently at the center of a high-profile corruption prosecution.
The award was presented during the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebration and book launch, which held on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Bello, who did not attend the event, was represented by Senator Smart Adeyemi, a former NUJ president and one of his long-time political allies.
In a formal letter signed by Abimbola Oyetunde, National President of the NUJ, the union cited Bello’s "outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists" as the basis for the award. Specifically, it referenced the GYB Annual Media Empowerment Workshops, which allegedly trained more than 200 media professionals including editors and reporters during each edition.
However, the NUJ’s gesture has sparked criticism and debate, given the serious corruption allegations Bello is facing. Critics argue that the award undermines the ethical standards of journalism, especially since Bello’s alleged crimes have been widely reported by the press, including NUJ-affiliated outlets.
Massive Corruption Allegations Totaling Over ₦190 Billion
Bello is currently facing two separate legal cases initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which together accuse him of misappropriating, laundering, and concealing public funds totaling more than ₦190 billion during his tenure as governor.
In the first case, the EFCC alleges that Bello conspired with associates to divert over ₦80 billion in February 2016 just weeks after he assumed office. According to prosecutors, the funds were siphoned through a network of shell companies and bogus contracts.
The second and more recent case involves a 16-count charge of money laundering and unlawful concealment of approximately ₦110 billion. The EFCC claims that a portion of this sum was funneled into the acquisition of prime properties in Maitama, Abuja including one estate reportedly purchased with ₦950 million in cash, paid in U.S. dollars.
Additional revelations from the prosecution allege that over $500,000 was wired to foreign bank accounts to settle personal expenses, including school fees. Investigators say other funds were laundered through bureau de change operators, fraudulent invoicing, and fake service payments. One contractor reportedly testified in court that he was handed ₦1 billion in cash to renovate several of Bello’s residences in Abuja and Lokoja.
Despite being summoned to appear before the court on multiple occasions, Bello initially evaded arrest, prompting a bench warrant to be issued in April. He was later served the charges through his legal team and eventually granted bail in December, under stringent conditions including a ₦500 million bond and two sureties with verified assets.
Endorsements and Support Amid Controversy
Despite the weighty allegations, Bello continues to enjoy support from prominent political figures and legal elites.
Just days before the NUJ award, the Presidency published a birthday tribute lauding Bello’s “leadership and dedication to public service” conspicuously omitting any mention of his ongoing legal battles. The message sparked a wave of backlash online, with critics accusing the federal government of sending mixed signals on anti-corruption.
Several Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and political associates have also defended Bello publicly, suggesting that the charges may be politically motivated. However, the EFCC has maintained that its prosecution is grounded in substantial evidence, including bank records, witness testimony, and documentary proof.
Court proceedings are expected to continue through June and July, with more witnesses lined up to testify.
Media Ethics and the NUJ’s Credibility Called Into Question
The NUJ’s decision to honour Bello has raised ethical concerns within and outside the journalism community. Media watchdogs and civil society groups argue that such recognition, especially amid an active corruption trial, could damage the credibility of the journalism profession in Nigeria.
“Giving this award sends the wrong message to the public,” one Abuja-based journalist told NaijaPunchNews. “How do we, as journalists, hold public officials accountable when our own union is celebrating one of the most controversial figures in an ongoing corruption scandal?”
As the legal process unfolds, observers are watching closely not just to see the outcome of Bello’s trial, but also how institutions like the NUJ navigate the complex intersection between professional recognition and ethical accountability.
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