…South-East journalists task governors on insecurity, roads, erosion; condemn militarisation, extortion of motorists
The South-East Zone C of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded a thorough investigation and prosecution of persons allegedly involved in the reported attack and obstruction of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Yelwata, Benue State.
The union also questioned what it described as the apparent silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on critical issues affecting the South-East, urging its leadership to intensify advocacy for the interests and development of the Igbo people.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the South-East Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting of the NUJ, held on Thursday at Golphin Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
The meeting, chaired by the NUJ South-East Vice President, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of the five state councils in the zone.
On the reported incident involving Obi, the ZEC condemned the September 8 development and called for a comprehensive police investigation, insisting that anyone found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The position came as the Benue State Police Command disclosed that 46 persons had been arrested in connection with the obstruction of Obi's convoy, while investigations continued into the incident.
The NUJ's intervention adds to growing calls for accountability over the incident, which has generated reactions from political groups and civil society organisations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Beyond the Obi incident, the journalists expressed concern over what they described as the failure of regional leadership to sufficiently address pressing challenges confronting the South-East.
The ZEC specifically called on the executive leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to become more vocal and proactive in advocating for the region.
The union urged the South-East Governors Forum to strengthen cooperation among the five states, particularly in attracting federal infrastructure, development partnerships and investments, while taking coordinated measures to address insecurity.
It also called on the governors to prioritise the rehabilitation of internal road networks, arguing that improved connectivity would reduce pressure on major highways, facilitate movement between rural and urban communities and stimulate economic activities across the region.
On infrastructure, the NUJ urged the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently rehabilitate critical transport corridors in the South-East, particularly the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which it said had deteriorated to the point of becoming a deathtrap.
The union also called for permanent safety interventions along the accident-prone Ugwu Onyema Hill axis in Enugu State, urging state governments to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works towards reducing crashes and loss of lives along the route.
The ZEC further raised concerns over the increasing threat posed by erosion and environmental degradation, calling on governments at all levels to devote adequate resources to erosion control and environmental protection.
It equally appealed to landlords and residents to embrace environmentally friendly housing and sanitation practices to safeguard public health and reduce environmental hazards.
The journalists also expressed concern over what they described as excessive militarisation of the region, alleging harassment and extortion of motorists and other road users.
They consequently urged the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, state governors and Commissioners of Police to take immediate steps to halt unlawful harassment and extortion.
Another major concern was the activities of scrap-metal operators, popularly known as “Iron Condemn”.
The NUJ urged state, local government and community authorities to establish effective regulatory mechanisms and enforcement teams to check alleged links between some scrap-metal operators and property theft and kidnapping.
The union, however, commended ongoing federal infrastructure interventions in the region and urged the authorities to sustain and expand such projects.
On professional standards within the union, the ZEC applauded the Imo State Council for introducing biometric data capturing for vehicle owners using NUJ stickers, describing the measure as an innovation capable of curbing quackery and enhancing security.
It encouraged other state councils to consider adopting similar measures.
The council also commended the Anambra State Council for successfully hosting its 35th anniversary and Press Week, urging the leadership to sustain initiatives that promote professionalism and innovation in journalism.
The communiqué was signed by Adiuku and the NUJ Zone C Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Idam Irem, while the drafting committee comprised Comrade Chidi Asonye, Chairman, NUJ Abia State Council; Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, Secretary, NUJ Anambra State Council; and Comrade Chigozie Uzosike, Assistant Secretary, NUJ Imo State Council.
