National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has condemned activities of overzealous task-force members of State Government, including inflicting pains on individuals while demolishing perceived illegal structures in some parts of the state.
The union also frowned at the act of hunting individuals in the process of generating internal revenue for the government.
In a communique issued at the end of its February Congress and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, and Secretary, Comrade Aloysius Ofodile, the Union urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curtail or stop the barbaric actions of his overzealous task-force members who subtly glorify violence in the state.
It also advised him to direct his government officials to ensure civility and humanness in dealing with demolition of the illegal structures and avoid destroying goods alongside the illegal structures, in view of prevailing harsh economic condition of the country.
The body further enjoined the State Government to rise to its responsibility of safeguarding people of the state in the face of increasing rate of crime and criminality in the state and the country generally.
While warning none journalists to desist from parading themselves as members of the Union, NUJ insisted that it would not take it lightly with anyone caught impersonating a journalist.
It however encouraged qualified journalists yet to identify and register with the union to do so immediately for greater strength and professional visibility.
The communique partly read, “Commendation to members for their solidarity and their defence in the face of antagonism and unnecessary aggression from some members of the public.
“Encouragement of members to unite at all times in defence of the Union and her members, for such unity will help NUJ and her members to survive amidst sheer oppression and antagonism by internal and external forces in society.
“Commendation to the Union leadership for prompt intervention in discrimination against one member of NUJ with disability at the NYSC orientation camp
“Appeal to the members of the public to ensure people living with disabilities are not discriminated against but rather given the required assistance to cope in life.
“Request for the state government and other good-spirited individuals to assist the union in fencing the NUJ, Anambra State Council Secretariat, and help her tackle other challenges.
“Commendation to the present Anambra State Government over some of their intervention in road construction and urged the government to expedite efforts towards improving the condition of many roads in abysmal condition within the state possibly before the rainy season 2024.
“Commendation to Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the last general election of Nigeria; represented by NUJ Anambra Matriarch, Professor Stella Okunna and the Media Aide to Mr Obi, Mr Valentine Obienyem.
“The representatives disclosed that Obi offered support towards hosting the February Congress of the union as a token of his appreciation to journalists for their contributions to the growth and advancement of the state and the country at large.
“Commendation to His Royal Majesty Igwe (Pharm) Alex Uzo Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom, who won NUJ Anambra State 2023 Man of the Year, for his humanitarian disposition that earned him the award. He was urged to continue his good services to humanity, especially in the current hard time in Nigeria.”
