The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has expressed concern over escalating insecurity in many parts of the country, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau states, among others.
It noted that the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes continue to endanger lives and threaten national unity and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace, protect citizens, and prevent the nation from sliding into further lawlessness.
A communique issued at the end of NEC meeting of the NUJ, held in Kano, signed by Achike Chude, National Secretary, lamented the hazardous state of federal and state roads across the country, particularly in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe to Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi states. It noted that many of the roads have become death traps, disrupting economic activities and causing needless loss of lives.
The communique urged both federal and state governments to take immediate action to rehabilitate critical road networks and ensure the timely and quality completion of all ongoing projects.
It noted with dismay the growing incidence of unprofessional conduct by some Chief Press Secretaries, CPS, to State Governors, including hostility towards journalists and obstructing NUJ council leaders from accessing their governors, stressing that such behaviour is unacceptable.
According to the communique, “The NEC reminds CPS that their role is to facilitate constructive engagement between government and the media, not to hinder it. State Governors are urged to strengthen relationships with NUJ council leaders and journalists, recognising them as partners in progress.”
The meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his support for press freedom and inclusive governance and commended his open-door policy and consistent engagement with the media as a model for other governors.
It also commended the Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his intervention in facilitating the payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers.
“This humane act has brought relief to affected families and demonstrated his administration’s commitment to justice and workers’ welfare,” the communique explained.