By Mercy Akuba
The South-South Zone (Zone F) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country and called on governments in the region to strengthen security measures to curb emerging threats.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the South-South Zonal Executive Council meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State, under the leadership of the Zonal Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo.
The union urged state governments to intensify community policing, ensure proper profiling of individuals entering communities, and strengthen collaboration between residents and security agencies to address insecurity.
The zone also cautioned against the activities of criminals disguising as security personnel, stressing the need for vigilance, particularly regarding vehicles being escorted by persons in military uniforms due to the increasing proliferation of military wares among non-state actors.
On infrastructure, the union commended the Federal Government for the progress recorded on the Calabar–Itu Highway project and called for its speedy completion, alongside other critical road projects in the region, to ease transportation challenges and reduce road accidents.
It also applauded the completion of the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Highway, describing it as a major boost to regional development.
The meeting further urged the Federal Government to accelerate environmental remediation efforts in oil-producing communities and conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments to address the long-term effects of oil exploration activities.
The zone advised governments across the South-South not to allow political campaigns and re-election ambitions distract them from governance, urging them to remain focused on delivering democratic dividends to the people.
On union matters, the meeting congratulated the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, on his appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Corporation and commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the appointment.
The zone also appreciated the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NUJ for lifting the sanction previously imposed on the Secretary of the Delta State Council, Comrade Victor Sorokwu.
The council called on state councils to establish dedicated funding mechanisms to support zonal executives in carrying out national assignments and resolved to review the status of patrons and grand patrons of the zone, with a view to withdrawing honours from individuals who have not met expectations.
It further commended the Cross River State Council for successfully hosting the gathering and praised the government of Cross River State for what it described as remarkable developmental strides recorded within the last three years.
Reaffirming its commitment to the unity and progress of the union, the South-South Zone pledged continued advocacy for good governance, security, infrastructural development, environmental sustainability and the welfare of journalists.
It added that journalists in the region should uphold the ethics of the profession and report responsibly during the electioneering period ahead of the 2027 general elections.