By: Tunji Okunlola
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, warning that insecurity is gradually spreading into areas previously considered peaceful.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s South-South Zonal Executive Council meeting held on Saturday in Calabar, Cross River State. The union urged state governments in the zone to strengthen their security architecture and take decisive steps to address emerging threats.
The meeting, presided over by the South-South (Zone F) Zonal Vice President, Comrade Opaka, called for intensive community policing, proper profiling of persons entering communities, and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies in tackling security challenges.
While commending the proactive measures adopted by governments across the South-South region to safeguard lives and property, the zone stressed the need for heightened vigilance regarding vehicles escorted by men in military uniforms, citing growing concern over the proliferation of such uniforms among non-state actors.
The zonal leadership also commended the Cross River State government for its developmental achievements within three years of the current administration, and praised the Federal Government for progress on the Calabar–Itu Highway project, urging authorities to expedite its completion alongside other critical road projects in the region to ease commuter hardship and reduce road accidents.
The meeting further lauded the Federal Government for completing the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Highway, describing it as a major boost to regional infrastructure. It called on the Federal Government to step up environmental remediation efforts in oil-producing communities across the South-South and to carry out comprehensive environmental impact assessments to address the long-term effects of oil exploration and production.
The union also urged governments in the region not to allow political campaigning and re-election activities to overshadow governance, but to remain focused on delivering democratic dividends while conducting political activities responsibly.
The zonal leadership reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, growth, and progress of the union, pledging continued advocacy for good governance, security, infrastructural development, environmental sustainability, and journalists’ welfare. It further appealed to journalists in the region to uphold professional ethics and report responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tags: #NUJ #Comrade Okpaka #2027 elections