Our Activities Are Lawful, Transparent — Divine Mandate Movement Tells Oyo NUJ

The Divine Mandate Movement (DMM) has responded to a disclaimer issued by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, stating that the group is not involved in any clandestine or unlawful activities.

In a rejoinder released on Monday, the leadership of the Movement said its attention was drawn to the disclaimer issued by the NUJ on March 16, 2026, concerning the activities of a group identified as the Divine Mandate Movement.

The group said although it would ordinarily have ignored the statement, it decided to respond in order to provide clarity, enlighten the public and prevent any misunderstanding about its activities.

According to the statement signed by the Chairman of the Movement, Adebayo Raji, and its Secretary, Olamide Adeniji, the Divine Mandate Movement is not a faction, pressure group or splinter organisation within the NUJ, contrary to the impression created by the disclaimer.

The statement described the Movement as a broad-based socio-professional platform made up of technocrats and professionals from diverse fields who share a common vision of ethical leadership, professional excellence and societal development.

It explained that the membership of the Movement comprises individuals drawn from various professional backgrounds including journalism, law, tax administration, sports administration and public policy advocacy.

The leadership stressed that the Movement does not operate as a statutory organ of the NUJ and does not claim to be one.

“Consequently, its existence or activities do not require recognition or validation by the NUJ before it can function as an independent association of professionals,” the statement said.

The group also cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right of individuals to freely associate and form organisations for the protection of their interests.

It further noted that the process of establishing a formal legal identity for associations is guided by the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, which empowers the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register associations and incorporated trustees.

The Movement disclosed that it is currently undergoing the formal process of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission in line with the provisions of the law governing incorporated associations in Nigeria.

It assured members of the public that all its activities are guided by the rule of law, professionalism and ethical standards.

The leadership also stated that the organisation is open to membership from individuals across different professional and intellectual backgrounds who share its ideals of integrity, professional collaboration and positive societal impact.

According to the statement, the Movement remains committed to promoting constructive dialogue, professional networking and initiatives aimed at encouraging ethical values and responsible leadership in society.

While acknowledging the institutional authority and independence of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and other professional bodies, the group emphasised that respect for constitutional freedoms, tolerance of diverse ideas and mutual respect are essential elements of a democratic society.

The Divine Mandate Movement therefore urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant security agencies, as well as members of the public, to disregard any insinuation that it operates outside the law or engages in clandestine activities.

It maintained that such claims are unfounded and inconsistent with the ideals upon which the Movement was established.