By John Ovie, YENAGOA
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
The union’s position on the state of the nation was contained in a communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday and presided over by the national president, Comrade Alhassan Yahya.
In the 16-point communique signed by the national secretary, Mr. Achike Chude, council noted that increasing attacks and killings demand a review of security strategies and appealed that issues of insecurity should not be politicized.
NEC also commended the national president for significant strides in members’ welfare, training programmes, and innovations in repositioning the NUJ.
Council particularly noted the successful hosting of the NEC meeting without external support and unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Comrade Alhassan Yahya-led administration.
After reviewing the state of media organizations and journalists’ welfare nationwide, NEC appealed to the Federal Government to make adequate budgetary provisions for the upgrade of government-owned media outfits, observing that these institutions urgently require attention to improve infrastructure and working conditions.
The Communique further reads: “NEC called on politicians to play by the rules and refrain from acts capable of undermining Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy. Journalists were equally charged to maintain professionalism in reporting all activities leading to the 2027 general elections. The NEC noted that some Journalists were incarcerated and died in the course of fighting for this democracy , as such Journalists must continue to promote democratic values .
“NEC appreciated the Governors of Bauchi and Gombe States, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, for supporting families of NUJ members who died in auto crashes and for offering employment to their beneficiaries.
“NEC lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the state’s planned first international flight and for extending an invitation to the State Chairman of NUJ to witness the historic flight.
“NEC commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, for approving an increase in Weigh-in Allowance for members, and urged other State Councils to liaise with RATTAWU to engage their governments for similar implementation.
“NEC lauded TANTITA SECURITY LIMITED for rewarding over 100 retired journalists in Bayelsa State with cash gifts, describing it as an unprecedented gesture. Council also acknowledged Mr. Ovieteme George for facilitating the event.
“NEC approved the reinstatement of the Delta State Council Secretary, Mr. Victor Soroku, after adopting the report of the Zonal Secretary fact finding team, following a petition earlier.
“NEC approved the suspension of seven members of the Ogun State Council for instituting legal action against the Union without exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms, in breach of Article 7 (5d) of the NUJ Constitution. The suspended members are: Wole Shokunbi, Folake Ade-Adeniji, Razak Ayinla, Modupe Salabiu, Joke Adeleye, Kunle Ibukunle, Seun Odunlami, and Sekinat Salam-Opebiyi.
“NEC approved the conduct of a bye-election for the office of Secretary, Kano State Council, to ensure the progress of the Council, following the refusal of the incumbent Secretary to allow amicable resolution of the lingering crisis.
“Security Agencies and Press Freedom
NEC passed a vote of confidence in the Director-General of the Department of State Services for improved relations with the media, noting a decline in intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrest of journalists. Council called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to emulate the DSS, recognizing that both the media and security agencies work for national interest.
“NEC resolved that no State Council has the authority to conduct membership revalidation without recourse to the National Secretariat. Council declared that such exercises during an election year contravene an existing NUJ resolution and directed the Delta State Council to reverse its ongoing validation action.
“Health Insurance Scheme
NEC approved plans to launch a Health Insurance Premium for Nigerian journalists and their families. Council applauded states that have already initiated similar schemes for their members.
“Audit of Accounts
All State Councils and Zones were directed to urgently conduct financial audits covering 2022 to 2026 and forward the reports, with accompanying fees, to the Registrar of Trade Unions.
“NEC approved the constitution of three committees: Media Icon Committee – Chaired by Gbenga Onayega, Welfare Committee – Chaired by the NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya
and Annual Strategic Planning Committee – Chaired by Zare Baba.
“NEC decried the epileptic power supply nationwide and called on the Federal Government to urgently address the situation.
“NEC reaffirmed that no State Council or Chapel has the power to suspend any member, without recourse to NEC.
“Councils were advised to engage professional drivers for union vehicles to mitigate avoidable road accidents”
