NRM handover turns chaotic as chairperson Onyik clashes journalist

3 June 2025, 5:15 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

The handover ceremony of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party office yesterday took a dramatic turn at Oyam Guest House Annex when newly NRM chairperson, Bosco Onyik Ogwal, reportedly insulted journalists in an attempt to control the narrative around his leadership. 

The incident occurred during the transition of old NRM District Executive Committee (DEC) members to the new leadership. Tensions rose when journalists sought Onyik’s comments, leading to an unexpected altercation. Onyik allegedly used vulgar language and physically confronted journalists from Shine fm , claiming that reporters from Oyam had been biased for the past week following the Oyam district NRM elections held on May 24, 2025. 

During the handover of office equipment, outgoing chairperson Jaspher Onena challenged Onyik to prioritise unity among party members, particularly those who were dissatisfied with the election outcome.

Easy Bash Machar, the newly elected NRM chairperson of the Workers’ League, acknowledged that disagreements and tensions are common after elections. He urged his colleagues to work towards reconciliation and vowed to safeguard workers’ rights during his tenure. 

Meanwhile, Patrick Ogwal Ojok, an aspirant for the LC5 chairperson position in Oyam district under the NRM ticket, condemned Onyik’s actions. He argued that the incident tarnished the party’s image in Oyam and called upon the NRM disciplinary committee to intervene.

Ojok emphasised the importance of educating Onyik on how to cooperate with the media instead of resorting to insults and hostility. 

Jackyline Adong, the NRM registrar in Oyam district, also weighed in on the matter, urging the new leadership to organise reconciliation and harmonisation meeting as soon as possible to foster unity among party members. 

However, growing concerns persist within the NRM fraternity regarding Onyik’s leadership approach. His confrontational stance towards journalists on his first day in office raises questions about his ability to unite party members and effectively mobilise support for the NRM ahead of the 2026 general election.