The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, South-South Zone F Executive Council ZEC, has called on the federal government to as a matter of urgency, implement the recommendations of the clean-up reports, promptly release ecological funds and provide relief materials to affected communities.
NUJ revealed that these steps would tackle the environmental pollution, degradation, climate change and recurring flooding in the region.
The union also urged the government to adopt proactive climate change consequences mitigation measures.
ZEC also called on FG to prioritise the operationalisation of seaports in the South South, the completion of the East-West Road, the construction of the proposed Coastal Highway, and other critical infrastructure.
It noted that the move would make life easier for the people of the region and boost the revenue base of the South-South states.
The union stated this in a communique issued at the end of its Zonal Executive Council Meeting, held on Friday, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The communique was issued on behalf of the union by the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council
Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, who was the Communiqué Drafting Committee (CDC) Chairman, while the acting secretary, NUJ Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Aqua Douye Akpuruku, was the committee secretary.
Members of the drafting committee were the Zonal Secretary, NUJ South-South (Zone F) Comrade Angese John and the Vice President, NUJ South-South (Zone F) Comrade Opaka Dokubo.
Following extensive deliberations, the Zone F Executive Council (ZEC) resolved to: “appreciate the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, for his continued support to the zone and commended the leadership of the state councils in the zone for their cooperation and solidarity in promoting excellence in journalism practice across the region.
“ZEC urged all state councils to strictly comply with the letter and spirit of the constitution of the union in all their activities.
“ZEC called on the federal government to adequately fund the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to enable it effectively deliver on its mandate.
“ZEC commended governors of the South-South states for the ongoing developmental projects across the region. Commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for completing the Victor Attah International Airport and making it operational as an international airport by commencing direct flight operations from Uyo to Ghana.
“ZEC encouraged other governors to invest in aviation, road infrastructure, and security. ZEC commended the Akwa Ibom State government for initiating the Health Insurance Scheme and appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, for the effective implementation of the scheme, which has enabled journalists to become beneficiaries.
“ZEC commended the government of Bayelsa State led by Senator Douye Diri for the massive projects ongoing in the state, the many roads the administration has built which are all futuristic and celebrated the governor for the ongoing 30,000 seater capacity Stadium at Igbogene and described it as a fantastic legacy project. It called on the contractor handling the project to ensure its timely delivery.
“ZEC expressed concern over environmental degradation, climate change, and recurring flooding in the South-South region, urging the federal government to implement the recommendations of the clean-up reports, tackle environmental pollution, promptly release ecological funds, and provide relief materials to affected communities.
“It also urged state governments to adopt proactive climate change consequences mitigation measures.
“ZEC commended the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State command, Baba Mohammed Azare, for maintaining a cordial relationship with journalists and serving as a promoter of press freedom and also showing professional policing excellence in protecting the rights and privileges of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State.
“It also urged other Police commands in the South-South to emulate his example. ZEC called on the federal government to strengthen the regulation of food production companies to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. It also encouraged journalists to embrace healthy lifestyles through regular medical check-ups, health awareness programmes, and participation in government healthcare initiatives.
“ZEC commended the NUJ Akwa Ibom State council for the one year anniversary of Comrade Nsibiet John led administration, expressed excitement over the infrastructural renaissance in Akwa Ibom State council and appreciated the administration for honouring a former state chairman, Comrade Israel Umoh, by naming the Council’s conference room after him.
“It also appreciated Bayelsa State council for the facelift in its council secretariat.”
