The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to reconsider the suspension of the government-sponsored scholarship programme for Rivers indigenes at PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt.
Key Highlights
NUJ urges Rivers Assembly to reconsider the suspension of the PAMO University scholarship.
The Assembly removed ₦6 billion earmarked for the programme from the 2026 Rivers State budget.
NUJ says existing beneficiaries should not be unnecessarily disadvantaged.
Union demands accountability over allegations surrounding the scholarship fund.
NUJ raises concerns over alleged police brutality, extortion and the murder of a UNIPORT graduate.
Council calls for urgent drainage rehabilitation and improved waste management.
NUJ urges stronger action against cultists and touts in Port Harcourt.
Union calls for peaceful and professional conduct ahead of the 2027 elections.
The union expressed concern over the implications of the decision for students already enrolled in the programme and its potential impact on medical education and human capital development in Rivers State.
The development followed the signing of the Rivers State 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Siminalayi Fubara at Government House, Port Harcourt, where Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, disclosed that the Assembly had removed the ₦6 billion allocation for the PUMS scholarship programme.
Amaewhule attributed the decision to allegations of mismanagement of the scholarship funds by the management of PUMS.
However, rising from its September monthly congress, the NUJ Rivers State Council called on the lawmakers to consider the consequences of the decision on students already benefiting from approved scholarship arrangements.
NUJ Seeks Clarity on PAMO Scholarship
The union urged the Rivers Assembly to provide clear information on the status of the scholarship programme and ensure that students currently benefiting from government-approved arrangements at PUMS and other universities are not unnecessarily affected.
The NUJ said the scholarship programme should be assessed with consideration for its implications for students, medical education and the broader development of human capital in the state.
NUJ Raises Alarm Over Police Brutality
The council also expressed concern over what it described as the increasing incidence of police extortion and brutality against citizens in Port Harcourt.
It particularly raised concerns over the reported murder of a young University of Port Harcourt graduate along Agip Road, Port Harcourt.
While acknowledging reports of disciplinary action and the alleged dismissal of officers linked to the incident, the NUJ called on police authorities to prosecute any officers found culpable.
The union stressed that dismissal from service should not substitute for criminal justice where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
It also called for greater transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded a more accountable and professional police force.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the NUJ offered its platform to the Rivers State Police Command to enable the Commissioner of Police to regularly brief residents on security developments and other matters of public interest.
NUJ Demands Action on Flooding, Waste Management
On environmental issues, the union expressed concern over persistent flooding in parts of Rivers State and its impact on residents, businesses, transportation and livelihoods.
The council called on the state government to urgently commence comprehensive drainage rehabilitation and ensure that existing drainage channels are properly opened, cleared and maintained.
The union also urged the government to prioritise drainage and flood-control infrastructure in implementing the recently approved state budget, citing warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) about possible flash flooding.
The NUJ further criticised worsening environmental sanitation in parts of the state, particularly indiscriminate waste disposal.
While acknowledging residents’ responsibility to dispose of waste properly, the union said inadequate modern waste collection and management systems were also contributing to the problem.
It called on the Rivers State Government and local government authorities to establish an effective, accountable and accessible waste-management system, including regular waste collection, designated disposal points and stronger enforcement of sanitation regulations.
Residents were also urged to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorised locations.
NUJ Calls for Accountability in Local Government Funds
Reacting to increased federal allocations to local government councils, the NUJ stressed the need for accountable management and effective deployment of the funds to critical sectors that directly improve the lives of Rivers residents.
The council called for greater transparency in the management of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds, urging local government authorities to regularly disclose revenues received and expenditures incurred.
It identified roads, primary healthcare, education, sanitation, water and other basic services as priority areas requiring effective funding.
Union Demands Action Against Cultists, Touts
The NUJ also expressed concern over the increasing activities of cultists and touts in parts of Port Harcourt, particularly around bus stops, transport corridors and markets.
According to the union, such activities could undermine public order, intimidate residents, facilitate extortion and negatively affect the state’s economic environment.
It therefore urged the Rivers State Government, local government authorities and security agencies to take decisive and lawful action against cultism and touting while ensuring that enforcement operations respect the rights and dignity of citizens.
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NUJ Urges Peaceful 2027 Election
With political mobilisation increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections, the union urged politicians and political parties to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act and relevant constitutional provisions.
The council cautioned political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation, hate speech and actions capable of provoking violence.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial, transparent and professional while providing a level playing field for political parties and candidates.
The NUJ reminded journalists and media organisations of their responsibility to provide accurate, balanced, neutral and conflict-sensitive coverage of political activities and the 2027 electoral process.
The union particularly cautioned journalists against openly aligning themselves with political parties when their professional responsibilities require neutrality and balance.
It also urged media practitioners to avoid publishing or broadcasting unverified information, inflammatory statements, hate speech and content capable of escalating political tensions.
