The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the Abia State government to put pressure on the Federal Government to accelerate the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the deteriorating condition of this important road. The Union highlighted the severe difficulties faced by commuters, especially along the Umuahia to Ikot Ekpene stretch, which has become a serious hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike.
The call was made in a 12-point communiqué issued following the NUJ’s monthly Congress, which was held at the NUJ Press Centre in Umuahia. The communiqué, signed by the Acting Chairman, Chidi Asonye, and the Secretary, Ikechukwu Onuegbu, also appealed to the Abia State government to carry out immediate palliative works on the road, particularly the section between Umuahia and Ikot Ekpene, to alleviate the current hardship being experienced by road users.
In addition to the road issues, the communiqué urged the state government to provide additional support and encouragement to contractors working on the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road project, particularly focusing on the Alayi section, which is in a state of severe disrepair. The NUJ expressed concern over the worsening condition of this section of the road and called for swift intervention.
The congress also expressed deep concern about the rising levels of crime and social vices in the state, particularly in urban centers like Umuahia and Aba. The union called on the state government to strengthen its partnership with security agencies and take proactive measures to improve security, especially in preparation for the upcoming holiday season.
The NUJ also took the opportunity to commend the state government for its initiative to light up the World Bank Housing Estate in Umuahia, recognizing the project as a significant contribution to reducing crime in the area. The union further applauded the state government’s efforts in restoring the full payment of pensions to retirees. However, they appealed to Governor Alex Otti to consider the concerns of retirees and revisit the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that his administration signed with them, with a view to addressing their grievances.
Additionally, the union called for immediate attention to the welfare of other retirees and disengaged public and civil servants throughout the state, urging the government to pay their outstanding benefits promptly. They also requested the state government to equip the Abia State Fire Service with more firefighting equipment, stressing the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The communiqué concluded with a plea for citizens to exercise greater caution with fire hazards, including the safe use of electrical appliances and other potentially inflammable objects.
