The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council has decried the poor state of public primary and secondary schools in the state, urging the state government to translate the state of emergency declared in the sector into action.
The union stated this in a communique issued at the end of a special congress on Tuesday to mark the one year anniversary in office of the Chairman of the council, Paul Bazia.
“Primary and secondary schools dilapidated or vandalized by hoodlums should be renovated across the state and action should be expedited on teachers recruitment and ensure equitable posting to the schools in rural areas that presently has little or no teachers,” the union urged.
The union equally urged the government to step up action on reviving the primary healthcare centers across the state as well as give priority attention to government-owned media organizations by refurbishing them and recruiting new staff for effective media jobs.
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“The government should also take advantage of the amended electricity law in Nigeria to invest in the power sector to generate enough power to encourage investment and enhance economic growth,” it added.
While commending the Rivers State House Assembly for the recent live broadcast of the governor’s commissioner nominees screening exercise, the union expressed dismay over the disqualification of some nominees because of personal opinions they expressed in the media before their normation.
According to the council, the action constitutes a violation of their freedom of expression even as it urged the assembly to recall the suspended members of the state House of Assembly in the spirit of ongoing reconciliation.
The union lamented the negative image the issue of land grabbing is portraying about Rivers State. It therefore urged government to step up action in tackling the menace.
“Government should also tackle the menace of touting on commercial vehicles in major roads of Port Harcourt city and its environs as it constitute nuisance and dents the image of the state.
“Council noted with great concern the recent political violence involving the burning of a political party building in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State and sued for a level playing ground for all groups and political parties as the electioneering period draws nearer,” the communique said.
