By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ has called on Akwa Ibom State Government to stop it’s remapping project untill it is able to secure the blessing of her citizens.
A communique signed by the state chairman of the union and chairman of the communique drafting committee Comrade Amos Etuk and Comrade Mabel Ekanem respectively and issued at the end of it’s monthly Congress in Uyo yesterday also called on the state government to carry out a robust sensitization on the benefit of the exercise.
It said the backlash that greeted the outcome of the remapping exercise was unhealthy for the peace and unity of the state and called on security agencies to beef up surviellance in communities that have expressed strong reservations against the exercise to forestall a breakdown of law and order in those areas.
“On the re-mapping of the State, Congress called on the State Government to carry out a robust sensitisation of what the exercise seeks to achieve and the benefits to the State or stop it at the moment until it has secured the buy-in of the citizens, as this will clear the suspicion in some quarters that it is not intended to dispose oil-bearing communities of their land.
“Congress urged security agencies to step-up their operations in the communities that have expressed strong reservations against the re-mapping exercise to avoid breakdown of law of order.
“Similarly, Congress called on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and other security agencies in the State to step up their surveillance along Ikpa Road, Urua Ekpa Road, Obio Etoi and other communities within Uyo metropolis as hoodlums have consistently attacked residents and commuters using tricycles and mini buses, disposessing them of their valuables in the process.” It said.
The Congress commended the Zone F leadership of the Union for honouring two prominent citizens of the state during its Zonal meeting in Uyo, last weekend.
“In the same spirit, Congress appreciated the outgoing Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the tremendous strides he has recorded in his tenure, including the construction of Information Drive and adjourning streets as well as regular interaction with the Union.
“Congress thanked Pst. Umo Eno, Governor-elect for redeeming the N500,000 prize attached to the Award for Development Journalism to a member of the Union during the 2022 NUJ Press Week.
“Congress at a Special Valedictory Session commended the Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, MNIPR for his sterling performance, accessibility, and promoting a robust relationship between Government and Journalists as well as creating a strong support system for Staff of the Ministry of Information and other media organisations in the State.” It concluded.
