… Sues For Establishment Of State Police
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, has urged the Federal Government to make public the list of those sponsoring criminality in the country as earlier promised by the Attorney General of the Federation and called for the establishment of state police to complement the existing security architecture in the country.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting of its National Executive Council NEC, held at the NUJ Press Center Utako, Abuja on August 7, and signed by Shuaibu Usman Leman Walin Shadalafiya, National Secretary, the union expressed its concern over the cases of insecurity in the country ranging from incessant killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities, and urged government to overhaul the security apparatus with a view to combatting the deteriorating insecurity in the country.
NEC also called on government to intensify efforts to effect the release of 136 school pupils still in the kidnappers custody in Niger State without further delay. It says as a further step towards improving the security situation in the Country, State Governments should be allowed to establish state police to complement the existing security architecture.
On broadcasting, NEC supports the position of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria – BON calling for a complete review of the digitisation process specifically in the area of legal framework. It notes that the only document available remains the Government White paper of 2012 which does not capture contemporary technological development and it is deficient in addressing decade long issues that have emerged since its issuance
On impending food crisis, NEC calls on the Federal Government to summon an urgent conference of stakeholders to map out strategies to avert such crisis in the country, as a result of insecurity.
NEC aslo condemned the poor state of Federal Roads across the country, noting that it affects the economy and wellbeing of Nigeria, and calls on the Federal Government to prioritise the construction of additional rail lines and rehabilitation of more roads for effective transportation.
The NUJ National Executive Council also expressed regret that more State Governments are now unable to pay salaries of workers as and when due, including pensions and gratuities, and calls for urgent measures to check this dangerous trend in addition to creating more employment opportunities for the teeming youth to guard against restiveness. The NEC believes that all State Governments should be put to task in terms of payment of the national minimum wage, while efforts should be intensified towards the implementation of New salary structure for media workers in Nigeria.
ON Safety and security of journalists, NEC said this have become priority issues and NEC expresses worry over the high rate of intimidation and attacks on Journalists in the country by both Agents of the State and Freelance Actors. It thus charges the Federal Government to urgently wade in and avert its escalation. They also appeal to the Federal Government to dialogue with Resident doctors to end the ongoing industrial action which has already subjected many Nigerians to untold hardship, and that FG should also return to the negotiation table with ASUU to prevent an impending strike.
Reacting to the position of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria – BON, NEC says it support its position but calls for a complete review of the digitisation process specifically in the area of legal framework. It notes that the only document available remains the Government White paper of 2012 which does not capture contemporary technological development and it is deficient in addressing decade long issues that have emerged since its issuance
NEC in session calls on State Governments to prioritise on projects that have direct relevance to the yearnings and aspirations of their people, rather than embarking on White Elephant projects.
On the rebellious move of Sportswriters who dissociate selves from the NUJ, NEC warns that henceforth, they should cease to enjoy patronage of the Union including using the facilities of NUJ anywhere in the country.
“Only sportswriters who pledge allegiance to the State Councils of the NUJ at the State levels would henceforth be recognised”.
During the meeting, NEC approved the 4th of October 2021 for its 7th Triennial National Delegate slated for Umuahia, Abia State, and set up an Electoral Committee with National Officer, Garba Muhammad as Chairman
Communiqué Drafting Committee
Abdullahi Isma Yamadi – Secretary Zone A, Adetona Aderoboye,Chairman, Ondo Council, Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe – Secretary, Abia Council.