The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed worry over rising insecurity, illegal taxation, arbitrary school levies, and the weak enforcement of government regulations across the state.
Key Highlight:
- NUJ raises alarm over insecurity – The union expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other crimes across Delta State, urging stronger security measures.
- Condemnation of illegal taxation and extortion – The NUJ called for the disbandment of illegal task forces accused of harassing motorists and extorting traders and market women.
- Call for stricter enforcement of regulations – The union urged authorities to remove illegal billboards, stop the misuse of flyovers, and enforce traffic and anti-open grazing laws.
- Concerns over arbitrary school levies – The congress condemned unauthorized charges in public schools and called on the Ministry of Education to investigate and sanction offenders.
- Demand for accountability and transparency – The NUJ urged government agencies to ensure effective implementation of policies, improve transparency in traffic enforcement, and promote good governance across the state.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre in Asaba.
The congress was presided over by the state Chairman, Churchill Oyowe.
The union condemned the increasing proliferation of unauthorised and substandard billboards in major cities, describing them as safety hazards and sources of revenue loss.
It urged the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) to strengthen enforcement and remove defective structures.
Congress also frowned at the misuse of flyovers in Asaba, Warri, and Effurun as makeshift motor parks and trading locations, calling on relevant authorities to reclaim the facilities and enforce traffic regulations.
NUJ Delta further condemned the activities of the illegal task force operating on federal roads, particularly in Udu Local Government Area, accusing them of harassing and extorting motorists.
It called for the immediate disbandment of such groups.
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On security, the union expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities across the state.
It urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and strengthen community policing efforts to protect lives and property.
The congress also criticised the poor implementation of resolutions reached at public summits, including the recent Delta State security summit, and called for clear timelines, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability measures to ensure implementation.
The union condemned the harassment and extortion of traders and market women by fake revenue collectors, while commending the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for taking action against illegal taskforce operators.
It also expressed dissatisfaction with the weak enforcement of the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing Law and urged relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance.
The NUJ further raised concerns over the influx of undocumented migrants into parts of the state, noting the potential security and social challenges posed by the development. It called on relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance and monitoring efforts.
Congress also frowned at reports of arbitrary levies and unauthorised charges in public schools, urging the Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations and sanction any officials found culpable.
On the activities of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), the union called for greater transparency regarding its operations and urged the agency to adopt technology-driven enforcement methods, including the use of cameras, instead of blocking vehicles on roads, a practice it said could lead to accidents, injuries, and loss of lives.
The NUJ reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, public safety, and sustainable development in Delta State.
