NUJ ZONE F condemns non completion of major roads by FG in S/S region

The Nigeria Union of Journalists Zone F, rising from its zonal meeting in Uyo Monday condemned the snail pace of the Federal government in completing major link roads in the South-Siuth zone of the country describing the action as mindless neglect.

The neglected roads are, , East – West, Calabar-Itu Highway, Benin – Sapale road, Benin -Lokoja road and called on the Federal Government to take action on these roads as it has done in other Zones in the country. It also encouraged State Governors in the South – South Zone to work closely with the in-coming Federal Government to complete the roads as the proverbial goose that lays the golden egg should have a condusive nest.

The communique was signed by Comrade Dominic Akpan Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Ogio the Ipigansi, Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Andy Egbon Member, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Opaka Dokubo Vice President, Zone F; Comrade Angese John Zonal Secretary.

The meeting, which had 14 leaders in attendance, including the National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo MFR, dwelt extensively on the issue of Grand Patron and resolved to follow up on the persons nominated to play the role in the Zone.

The zone further condemned the power tussle in NDDC Board, describing the development as shameful, and capable of truncating the mandate of the interventionist agency. It called on the Board members to stop the ego war and work to deliver on the Commission’s mandate to the people of the region.

The communique reads, ” While condemning the demolition of the property of Bayelsa State Government by the Government of Rivers State in Port – Harcourt, an action which has far-reaching implications on the relationship between the people of both states, the meeting request the in-coming administration in Rivers State to demonstrate responsible leadership by addressing the issue in the interest of brotherhood, good conscience, unity and peace.

” The meeting called on the six Governors in the Zone to evolve strategies to resuscitate the BRACED Commission to serve the purpose of peer review and development coordination in the Zone.

“The meeting noted the resurgence of kidnapping and other criminal activities in some parts of Rivers State after the 2023 general elections as these incidents have claimed the lives of some citizens and led to the destruction of properties. It therefore, called on the Rivers State Government and security agencies to beef up security in the State to address the drift.

” The meeting noted with satisfaction the support of some Governors in the South- South to the Union in their respective States. Particularly, the meeting commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a strong pillar of support to Akwa Ibom State Council; Bayelsa State Governor for appointing journalists into positions of trust and for equipping the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex with State – of – the Art equipment, including the digital facilities for Radio Bayelsa and the Niger Delta Television; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for considering a member of the Delta State Council as a Permanent Secretary among other numerous supports.

Similarly, the meeting lauded the Edo State Government for paying civil servants in the State N40, 000.00 minimum wage and urged other State Governments in the Zone to emulate the worthy example of of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The meeting encouraged members to uphold the standards of the journalism profession at all times so that it will not lose public confidence, especially in the face of new media and fake news.