NUJ, Delta State Council urges State Govt, security agencies to tackle herdsmen killings to avert crisis

By Shedrack Onitsha,

---

The Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has called on the Delta State Government led by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to liaise wit relevant security agencies to halt the  alleged killings by Fulani Herdsmen in communities across the State to forestall the situation from degenerating to full blown crisis.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the State Congress of NUJ, held at the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Asaba on Thursday.

The Congress also called on the state government to explain to Deltans the state of Delta Line Transport Company since it was concessioned to God Is Good Motors in other for Deltans to know if any value has been added to the transport line.

In a communiqué singed by the NUJ, Delta State Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the Secretary, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, Congress also condemned the attitude of some security agents who willfully molest members of the NUJ in the course of performing their legitimate duty.

Noting that; “just as the security agents are Constitutional empowered to do their job that is how Journalists are also backed to carry out their assigned roles, noting rather that both parties should see themselves as partners in progress.

In the communiqué which read in part: “The Congress commended the Delta State Government for taking the bold step in re-awarding failed projects at the Asaba International Airport and the deplorable Maryam Babangida Way (Road) in Asaba to a competent contracting firm, Setraco and also thanked the State Government for its effort at finding lasting solution to the perennial flood in Asaba through the construction of deep drains and giving priority attention to construction/ rehabilitation of major roads in Asaba capital territory.

“Congress equally appreciated the Delta State Government for linking Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba to the 330 KVA Line which has made public electricity supply to the outfit stable and invariably put an end to epileptic broadcast of programmes to the viewing and listening public.

“Congress however implores the Delta State Government to explain the current situation of Delta Line Transport Company since it was concessioned to God Is Good Motors with a view to highlighting how much value has been added to the company.

Advocate however gathered from a reliable source that God Is Good Motors have pulled out of the deal with Delta State government on the acquisition of Delta Line Transport Company having failed to meet up with the payment terms.

According to the source who spoke to us unanimously, he said that God Is Good Motors couldn’t raise enough fund to meet up with the contract term and that the huge liabilities of the Delta Line Transport Company, was another issue that made the pull off, because they under-estimate the liabilities.

Congress also frowned at the spate of alleged misconduct of Journalists, particular those operating within platforms in the social media and urged members to adhere strictly to the ethics of the journalism profession by ensuring that their reportage are factual, fair, objective and balance.

“It warned Journalists to desist from blackmail and publication of stories capable of destroying the hard earned reputation of members of the public, warning that member found wanting would be adequately disciplined even as it noted that they are liable to be prosecuted in court of law.

Congress charged members to always show concern for the wellbeing of their colleagues, particularly those with health challenge.