The declaration was made when Comrade Obieh Kenneth and members of his Stand Up Team visited the Isoko Chapel on a campaign tour to solicit for votes ahead of the forthcoming NUJ election.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the Chapel, Comrade Emmanuel Ekebe and the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Unyove Matthew, said the Chapel has assessed all the teams in the race and found the Stand Up Team most prepared, credible and capable of repositioning the union.
According to them, the Stand Up Team has demonstrated capacity, competence and a clear vision for the growth and welfare of journalists in the state.
"We have listened to you, we have seen your blueprint, and we believe in the Stand Up Team. The team has the capacity to lead the NUJ in the next three years. We are fully behind you. Our vote is for the Stand Up Team," they declared.
They assured the team of the Isoko Chapel's bloc vote, noting that the Chapel would mobilize all its members to ensure the victory of the Stand Up Team at the polls.
The leaders commended Comrade Obieh Kenneth for his inclusive leadership style and his commitment to uniting journalists across all chapels, adding that Isoko Chapel is confident that his leadership would bring development, transparency and improved welfare to members.
In his response, Comrade Obieh Kenneth thanked the Isoko Chapel for the warm reception and the vote of confidence passed on his team.
He promised that if elected, the Stand Up Team would not disappoint the trust reposed in them, assuring that his administration would run an open, accountable and people-oriented leadership that will carry every chapel along.
Members of the Stand Up Team who were part of the campaign visit also took time to reel out their plans for the union, which include capacity building, welfare enhancement, and stronger engagement with government and stakeholders for the benefit of journalists in the state.
The visit ended with chants of solidarity from members of the Isoko Chapel, reaffirming their stance: Isoko is standing up with the Stand Up Team.