The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on Governors of the South-South region to key into the current wave of establishment of regional security outfits, to check the rising security challenges in the zone.
These concerns were part of issues contained in a communiqué raised after the quarterly meeting of the NUJ (Zone F) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
In the communiqué which was jointly signed by the Zonal Vice President, Pastor Edward Ogude and Secretary, Dr. Bassey Eyoh, the group said such initiative would be a welcome development to guarantee the security of lives and properties in the region.
In strong terms, the zonal chapter of the NUJ condemned the alleged killing and burial of innocent citizens in shallow graves in a bush in Uweheru Community in Ughelli North in Delta State by suspected herdsmen, calling on security operatives to launch immediate investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.
Also of concern was the sacking of Letugbene Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State by soldiers as the NUJ urged soldiers to always go after criminals and not entire community.
The meeting also condemned the vandalization of Radio Bayelsa office including official and staff vehicles by some youths in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State over the Supreme Court judgment of the November 16, 2019 Governorship Election in the Bayelsa State.
Other issues raised in the meeting include the need for the review of the Constitution of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), to reflect the current realities stressing that the review is long overdue with a mandate on State Councils of the zone to adopt appropriate measures towards the eradication of quackery and to instill discipline amongst members.
It further urged the leadership of State Councils in the zone to ensure the registration and biometrics capturing of their members even as it resolved to prioritize the welfare of members in the zone.
While congratulating the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for emerging Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, the group expressed hope that his emergence would bring unity, peace and development to the zone.
The meeting called on the Governors of the South South to prevail on the Federal Government to expedite action to upgrade Sea Ports in the zone to reduce the current pressure on the Lagos Port and expand economic activities in the zone.
The zonal NUJ used the forum to endorse the aspirations of the Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Timi Jombo Idoko and the Assistant National Secretary of NAWOJ, Helen Udofa for the positions of National Deputy President and National Secretary of NAWOJ respectively and thanked the Akwa-Ibom State Government for hosting the Zonal Meeting.
