The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating quackery and impersonation in journalism, warning that individuals practicing without proper accreditation will face legal consequences in line with the Nigeria Press Council law.
This was contained in a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s monthly congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia. The document was signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, and Secretary, Comrade Iyke Onuegbu.
> “In line with the directive from the National Secretariat, Congress resolves to fight quackery and impersonation of journalists by non-professionals,” the communiqué stated. “Henceforth, anyone not licensed to practice as a journalist, especially bloggers posing as journalists, will be prosecuted if arrested.”
The Union called on Governor Alex Otti to urgently conclude the long-suspended promotion exercise for civil servants, many of whom, it noted, have not been promoted in over six years.
It also urged the Governor to exercise strict oversight of the Ministry of Finance, MDAs, and the Office of the Accountant-General. The NUJ expressed concern over reports of irregular salary payments, underpayments, unexplained stoppages, and heavy deductions from workers’ salaries.
The Union stressed that implementing new salary scales would serve as a morale booster for civil servants and drive greater productivity in the public sector.
While commending Governor Otti’s sustained investment in road infrastructure, the NUJ urged contractors handling the reconstruction of Akanu Ibiam and Library Avenue roads to properly open up the drainage systems to prevent flooding in nearby residential and commercial areas.
On the Umuahia-Uzuakoli road, the Union called for the construction of a roundabout and installation of speed breakers at the Signboard Junction axis to reduce the frequency of road accidents. It also advised tricycle operators and other motorists to adhere to speed limits on newly constructed roads.
The NUJ appealed to the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and residents to ensure regular clearing of drainages to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
The Congress also raised alarm over alleged misconduct by some Internal Revenue Service officials in Umuahia, who were reportedly collecting cash payments from revenue defaulters without issuing receipts.
> “The public is reminded that cash payments to government officials have been prohibited by the Alex Otti administration as part of measures to block revenue leakages,” the communiqué noted.
The Union lauded the Governor’s plan to build a world-class Medical City at Mbasaa in Isialangwa South LGA and lauded the recent completion of the access road through Umuocheala, a host community to the proposed site.
It also commended the launch of the Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme (IWAP), a solar-powered water and sanitation initiative aimed at improving hygiene standards across the state. The NUJ recommended the deployment of qualified personnel to manage the facilities and prevent vandalism or misuse.
The Council concluded by pledging continued collaboration with the state government in promoting professional journalism, good governance, and sustainable development across Abia State.
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