NEC- NUJ CALLS ON FGN TO PRIORITISE ADDITIONAL RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION AND ROAD REHABILITATION

…… expresses worry over the high rate of intimidation and attacks on Journalists

Oru Leonard

The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists held its meeting in Abuja with all the National Officers as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of State Councils in attendance and has called on the Federal Government on Nigeria to prioritise the construction of additional rail lines and rehabilitation of more roads for effective transportation.

NEC made the call in a communique after meeting on Saturday noting that the poor state of Federal Roads across the country is affecting the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians.

NEC also called on the FGN to look into increased attacks on Journalists and charged the FGN to urgently wade in and avert its escalation.

“Safety and security of journalists 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”, the communique stated.

NEC noted with concern the high rate of insecurity across the country; incessant killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities ravaging the country and called on the FGN to overhaul the security apparatus, which will include establishing state police to complement the existing security architecture.

NEC therefore urged the Federal Government to summon an urgent conference of stakeholders to map out strategies to avert the impending food crisis in the country, as a result of insecurity.

NEC supported 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 noted 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 slammed on Sportswriters who dissociated selves from the NUJ and directed that henceforth  to cease enjoying 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.’

NEC in session 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

(NUJ Media)