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In other news...
The BNTU has been without a president for seven months, since the former president, Ruth Shoman, resigned in a cloud of controversy after less than 5 months.
So, today the union held elections to vote in a new president. The two candidates were both women: Nadia Caliz and Ifasina Efuyemi. The voting began at 3 and just before the start of the count, we spoke with the two candidates.
Nadia Caliz, Candidate, BNTU President
"I've been paying attention to the direction our union has been taking and that is not the BNTU that I joined and I believe that those of us who are stalwarts who understands what BNTU represents in this country, we needed to come back and put us back on the platform that we were and being a member for 30 years and serving as rep, school rep, branch president, member of council, being on the forefront for many demonstrations, hey, I have the experience so I said let me come forward."
"I strongly believe that I got the support of the majority because like I said, I've been doing this for 30 years but connecting with voters was important. My question to them, please tell me what it is you want to see differently within the BNTU and so I used that as my platform because if you're representing the voters, then you'll get their support."
Ifasina Efunyemi, Candidate, BNTU President
"My expectation is that the members will choose the best candidate, I have done all that I can and I want to do more but it is up to them to give me that opportunity. I feel very confident, there are members who came and said they would support me but we will know that when we count the ballots right now."
Reporter:
"What is your vision for BNTU?"
Ifasina Efunyemi, Candidate, BNTU President
"My vision is to see this mighty green machine continue to thrive in deed like the theme says and that's what I offer to the members so whether I'm the president or not doesn't change what I will continue to do for my union."
Late reports say Caliz emerged victorious by a commanding margin.
