NUJ wants govt to confront lingering crises head-on

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed dismay at the hardship being at present faced by Nigerians as regard the lingering fuel scarcity, urging the government to rise to the occasion by ensuring that the problem is resolved without further delay.

The Union in a communiqué issued at the end of its first National Executive Council meeting in 2016 held in Lagos, stated that it is dissatisfied at the avalanche of promises by the Buhari led government to end the imbroglio without success.

Regarding the passage of the budget, the NUJ called on the Executive and the legislature to quickly resolve their differences in the interest of Nigerians, advising that important projects which would have direct bearing on the lives of Nigerians be maintained in the budget without further delay. It commended the Buhari led government on its ongoing war against graft.

The communiqué signed by the National Secretary of the union, Shuaibu Usman Leman, it stated that “On the ongoing war against graft, NEC-in-Session commends the present administration on its avowed commitment to rid the country of corruption and urged journalists across the country to be part of the crusade by ensuring that no corrupt persons enjoys media protection. With regards to the Panama Papers, NEC urged government to take a second look at those who hide their wealth in offshore companies in order to evade tax. It insists that the government should take a second look at tax laws and bring all taxable Nigerians within the tax net.”

The body of journalists also called on federal and state governments to take the payment of salaries seriously. It however sympathised with parents of the abducted Chibok girls urging the federal government to do all within its powers to secure the release of the girls.

“The union observed that with the latest video released by Boko Haram showing that that girls are still alive, government should ensure that their lives are not further endangered. On security, NEC-in-Session commends the armed forces for he obvious improvement in the ongoing fight against insurgency. It advises government not to relent until terrorism is completely stamped out of the country. It also calls for adequate security for people in the IDP camps. On Fulani herdsmen/farmers crises, NEC calls for urgent government intervention before the situation spirals out of hand. It also sought for a solution to the problem of cattle rustling.”

On association matters, besides punishing erring members, it stated that the payment of check-off dues as at when due was stressed to ensure that the activities of the union do not suffer.