By Abasi Ita
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the persistent harassment and extortion of motorists by state agents in Calabar.
The union expressed concern over the activities of various task force personnel, including officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office, the Department of Public Transportation, the Traffic and Maintenance Agency, and other unidentified operatives enforcing traffic regulations across the city. It stated that such actions create a negative image of the state and undermine its standing as a welcoming tourism destination.
These concerns were highlighted in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ October Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
The congress appreciated members for their support during the recently concluded Fifth Edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award and encouraged continued unity to strengthen the union.
While acknowledging ongoing reforms in the education sector and the clampdown on illegal schools, the NUJ called for the immediate provision of potable water and functional toilet facilities in public primary and secondary schools to enhance hygiene and learning conditions.
On electricity supply, the congress expressed worry over increasing disputes between consumers and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company arising from estimated billing. It urged the state government to engage the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure broader access to prepaid meters.
The NUJ also noted ongoing infrastructure works, including the construction at the Jonathan Bypass, but urged the government to urgently repair deteriorating roads in Calabar. It stressed the need for functional streetlights along the IBB to Jonathan Bypass corridor and the Atimbo axis to improve safety and ease movement.
The union condemned what it described as crude and exploitative tactics used by tax and revenue agents in the transport sector. It stated that motorists are often compelled to pay cash amounts that exceed official penalties for minor traffic offences and that such payments are made without receipts.
It further raised concern over the resurgence of scavenger activities in some parts of the state and called on relevant authorities to properly regulate their operations for environmental and public safety.
On welfare matters, the NUJ expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in the payment of salaries to local government workers, noting that as of October 22, September salaries were still outstanding. It urged the government to resolve the ongoing strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria and to implement the Consolidated Assembly Staff Salary Structure, noting that Cross River remains the only state in the South South region yet to do so.
The congress commended the state government for honouring Super Falcons player Miracle Usani and requested similar recognition for Cross River athletes who won medals at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta and the National Youth Games in Asaba.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Anthony Ita Etim, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Comrade Maria Ewa, Secretary of the Committee, Comrade Mike Abang, State Secretary, and Comrade Archibong Bassey, State Chairman.