Insecurity: FG Needs To Further Strengthen Security Architecture – NUJ NEC

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…Bemoans rising unemployment figure in the country

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The National Executive Committee (NEC), of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), rose from its meeting in Asaba, Delta State at the weekend with a call on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgent national importance, further strengthen the Security architecture with a view to addressing rising insecurity confronting the nation.

This is as the NUJ also noted that the soaring unemployment figure in the country which it described as “a major and serious concern” that demands urgent attention, thus wants the Federal Government to immediately consider recruiting more workers in all the federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), adding that in doing so, priority should be given to junior workers just as the Federal Character Principles should be taken into account in the spirit of fairness, equity and national cohesion.

These were contained in a 13 point communique issued by the NUJ NEC, in which it also called on the Federal Government to accede to the clamour for State Police to bolster the country’s security system.

Taking a critical look at the security situation in te country, the NUJ NEC urged the Federal Government to rejig the Security apparatus to enable it effectively tackle the challenges of insurgency in the Northeast, banditry and kidnappings, cattle rustlings and other forms of criminality that have so far assumed dangerous dimensions, thereby making free movement of people, goods and services difficult.

While appreciating the role of security check-points on the nation’s highways in reducing crime, the NUJ NEC, however noted the hardships haulage trucks and transporters are made to face as a result of uncontrolled extortion by security personnel.

The NUJ therefore enjoined the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies whose personnel are involved in the unwholesome acts to address the issue in the best interest of motorists and other commuters.

According to the communique; “NEC expresses worry with the high rate of inflation that has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian citizens and thus increased their sufferings.

“NEC appeals to the Central Bank of Nigeria to urgently evolve additional measures that will limit inflation in the country. The Federal and State Governments should also consider providing succour to citizens especially now that the rainy season has set in.

“Federal roads in the country have completely broken down and are now death traps. NEC appeals for a complete overhaul of the road network in the country and urges for a speedy rehabilitation of the rail system. A situation where road accidents take more lives than communicable diseases gives cause for concern,” it stated.

The national leadership of the NUJ also tasked the Federal Government to tackle the problems of electricity supply with all the seriousness it can muster particularly the enforcement of the directive on metering as Nigerians have been subjected to more punishment as they are made to pay for energy not consumed.

It further states; “The system of bulk payment to Electricity companies is callous and should be stopped without further delay.

“The continuous non-payment of salaries of Journalists by some Media owners has again been reviewed by the meeting and NEC believes that this negative trend continues to impact negatively on the practice of journalism. Media owners who owe journalists should discharge their obligations in this respect, responsibly and as when due. A situation where some journalists are made to work for months without any salary is an aberration and should be condemned.

“The meeting recalls that in May last year, the NUJ wrote a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari appealing for a bailout fund for the media, primarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the global economy. NEC in session appeals once more to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to save the media industry from collapse”.

The NUJ reiterated its earlier position that a vibrant and independent media is germane in a democracy and as such it should be jealously guarded and protected.

While reviewing the contributions of TETfund to tertiary education over the years, the NUJ NEC applauded the management of the agency led by Prof Suleiman Bogoro for an excellent job. The NUJ NEC however appealed for the injection of sufficient funds into TETfund to ensure a complete overhaul of the nation’s tertiary education system, adding that it believes that an increase in tax collection would translate to more funds to finance projects in the nation’s tertiary institutions, thereby improving education quality.

The NEC of the Union took due cognisance of the contributions and efforts of  the National President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo and his team towards moving the Union forward in spite all odds and accordingly passed a vote of confidence on him and his lieutenants among other issues confronting the Union.

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