Barrister Mbonu-Ike made the clarification while addressing newly elected executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), ABS Awka and Onitsha Chapels, during a leadership training held at the Film Academy Hall, ABS Headquarters, Awka.

She said effective leadership requires fairness, patience, and adherence to due process, stressing that every worker deserves to be heard before any disciplinary action is taken, and noted that leaders must remain objective, accountable, and committed to justice in handling issues affecting members.

Also speaking, Comrades Henry Nwasike and David Okpokwasili advised the executives to maintain cordial relationships with management through constructive engagement, strengthen communication with members, and build partnerships that would advance the welfare of journalists and the growth of the union, noting that open dialogue, teamwork, and respect for collective decisions are essential for sustaining unity, strengthening members' confidence, and ensuring the successful implementation of the union's programmes.

They urged the executives to maintain regular communication with members, encourage teamwork, respect decisions reached collectively during executive meetings and congresses, and always place the interests of the union above personal considerations.

Also speaking, the Head of Reportorial, News and Current Affairs Department, ABS, Mr. Paul Ezeoke, urged the newly elected executives to remain humble, transparent, and accessible in the discharge of their responsibilities, reminding them that leadership is a call to service and sacrifice, and encouraging them to earn the confidence of members through fairness, accountability, and commitment to the ideals of the union.

Among those who asked questions were the Financial Secretary of the NUJ, ABS Awka Chapel, Comrade Blessing Dennis; the Financial Secretary of the NUJ, ABS Onitsha Chapel, Comrade Franka Ononuju; the Vice Chairman of the NUJ, ABS Onitsha Chapel, Mrs. Ifeoma Okibo; and the Secretary of the NUJ, ABS Awka Chapel, Comrade Emmanuel Chigbata, who sought clarification on disciplinary procedures, effective communication, inclusive leadership, and decision-making in union administration.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, ABS Awka Chapel, Comrade Emmanuel Okonkwo, said the training had equipped the newly elected executives with the knowledge and practical leadership skills required to strengthen the union, promote professionalism, and improve members' welfare.

The training ended with a renewed commitment by the executives of the Awka and Onitsha Chapels to provide purposeful leadership, uphold the ideals of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and continue to champion the union's motto, “The Voice of the Voiceless.”