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.
The meeting applauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his unprecedented donation of brand-new SUVs to the eleven members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, pointing out that the gesture reflects a genuine appreciation of the media’s role in governance and serves as encouragement for responsible journalism and urged other governors to emulate this example.
The communique passed a vote of confidence on the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya, and his team for their visionary leadership and commitment to improving the welfare of members nationwide.
It called on federal and state governments to ensure proper and full implementation of the 70,000 minimum wage among media organisations in Nigeria as well as provide welfare packages for journalists.
The communique also warned state governments to desist from unnecessary censorship of media organisations in their respective states.
It further urged both the federal and state governments to adopt a proactive approach and take decisive, well-coordinated measures to avert flood disasters that includes strengthening early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring the timely relocation of residents in flood-prone and riverine areas.
The union emphasised that preventive action is far more cost-effective than post-disaster relief and that protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure must be treated as a national priority.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting press freedom, defending democratic ideals, and upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria, calling on all tiers of government and public institutions to partner with the media in advancing national development, transparency, and accountability.
