A public act of forgiveness between two Abuja journalists has emerged as the defining moment of a Night of Tributes for late NUJ FCT Chairman, Patrick Osadebamwen.
Veteran journalist and media critic, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, publicly forgave fellow journalist Emeka Eze over past disagreements during the event on Monday.
Ughegbe later left his seat, approached Eze and embraced him before urging other journalists to follow their example.
The gesture attracted loud applause from journalists and union leaders gathered at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
Ughegbe said Osadebamwen’s death should not be remembered only with grief but should also become an opportunity for healing within the union.
“Regardless of our differences, let us be one because I know Patrick would have wanted a united union,” he said.
He acknowledged that divisions and strained relationships had affected members of the NUJ FCT Council in recent years.
According to him, the late unionist’s death should encourage members to put aside their grievances and begin a genuine reconciliation process.
“This is not about who is right or who is wrong. This is about the fact that Patrick was a peaceful person,” Ughegbe said.
The call for unity was echoed by several speakers at the tribute night.
The current FCT NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike, set the tone for reconciliation in her opening remarks.
Former council chairmen, including Malachy Uzendu, Emmanuel Ogbeche, Amos Duniya and Jacob Edi, also called for forgiveness and unity.
NUJ National Secretary, Achike Chude, and past and present NAWOJ leaders equally urged members to strengthen their relationships.
The tribute brought together journalists, former union officials and other members of the journalism community in a sombre atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, pledged support for Osadebamwen’s family through the Police Trust Fund.
The IGP, represented by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, also urged journalists to contribute towards supporting the bereaved family.
Edem described the NUJ as a friend of the police and assured the union of continued support.
With the tribute over, the bigger challenge for the NUJ FCT Council is whether the reconciliation sparked by Osadebamwen’s death will endure.
For many at the gathering, the most fitting tribute to the late journalist may be a more united and peaceful NUJ.