Abia State council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commended the Abia State government for its zeal towards the completion of Abia NUJ permanent secretariat in Umuahia. This is even as the Journalists called for an end to alleged extortion of motorists in Abia State by security men, especially Policeman stationed at Mopol base at Police headquarters, Bende road in Umuahia.
These positions were made known by the Journalists in 11-point communique they released, which was signed by Comrade Victor Ndukwe (Chairman) and Adaeze Ralph Igbokwe (Secretary) after their monthly congress at press centre, Umuahia.
The council expressed worries on the spate of kidnapping activities happening in some communities of Abia State, which are being carried out by criminals operating from forests.
The council also called for grassroots approach in the eradication of criminality in Abia localities, through the formation of government-sanctioned vigilante groups.
The Journalists, who called for combing of Abia forests to eradicate criminals, also drew the attention of Abia State government to incessant robbery/kidnapping activities at World Bank Housing Estate in Umuahia, where residents now sleep with one eye open.
The council equally reiterated the call for the clearance of arrears owed Abia pensioners and staff of Hospital Management Board (HMB).
On the calling off of strike by teachers in Abia public primary and secondary schools, the council commended the State government for ensuring that teachers in basic education system returned to classrooms.
Abia NUJ enjoined Abia State government to honour agreements reached with the teachers to ensure that educational advancement of Abia children are not frustrated.
It concluded by urging the Abia State Environment Protection Agency (ASEPA) to clear Abia State environment of filth, even as it warned Abia residents against dumping their refuse inside gutters.
