Poor State of Nigerian Roads Worries NUJ

Obinna Chima

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of Nigerian roads which it said have defied all odds at being rehabilitated.

This formed part of a communique at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union that took place in Jos recently.

The meeting was attended by 29 state councils of the union and national officers.
To this end, NEC called on the federal government to put more resources into the rehabilitation of roads to create more jobs and ameliorate the surfing of commuters.

NEC also considered the current fight against corruption in the country, particularly the recent raids by the Department of State Services (NUJ) on some judges, saying that all hands must be on deck to “remove this cancer from the nation’s body politic before it causes any irreversible damage.

“However, it is the considered opinion of NEC that we must avoid taking any action that could be construed as discriminatory or contrary to the rule of law. It is also the considered view of NEC that all judges being investigated should step aside to enhance unobstructed investigations.
“NEC expresses serious concern on the dwindling value of the Naira caused by recession. This according to NEC has worsened the living condition of most Nigerians who can hardly afford a decent meal a day. “NEC believes that more attention should be deployed towards reviving the Agricultural sector to ensure food security and youth employment.

“While NEC commends the federal government for securing the release of 21 Chibok girls from captivity in the Boko Haram enclave, NEC avers that the fight against terrorism can only be said to be won when all Nigerians being held captive by this group regain their freedom,” the communiqué read.

Furthermore, the union applauded the lifting of the three months suspension of the Ogun Council chairman Wole Shokunbi and three members of the council, by the national secretariat, after having served their punishment and having shown remorse for their misbehaviour. On the issue of Osun council, NEC welcomed the peace moves being initiated by stakeholders to resolve the impasse and conduct new elections.

“NEC notes with concern the impeachment of the Chairman of Kaduna council of the NUJ and appeals to the council to seek a peaceful settlement of the issues that led to the action. NEC also considers the allegations against the impeached Chairman, Muhammad Garba that he is a paid staff of the National Assembly and attached as a Senior Legislative Aide of Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah.
“NEC directs a thorough investigation of this allegation to ensure that it does not run foul to the provisions of the Union constitution,” it added.