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With checkpoint woes showing no signs of abating, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia State Council is urging the state government to take a long, hard look at the current security protocol, which mandates commuters to alight and trek through barriers—a tactic that’s drawn fierce criticism—and work with military leaders to create a more traveler-friendly approach.
In a communiqué issued at its Umuahia congress, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed shock and dismay at the harrowing experiences of passengers at checkpoints, who are forced to alight and trek before being granted passage. This unacceptable practice has raised serious concerns about the welfare of citizens.
According to the communiqué, signed by NUJ Abia State Chairman, Victor Ndukwe, and Secretary, Ikechuckwu Onuegbu, the dehumanizing treatment of passengers is a recurring nightmare at specific hotspots, including the NNPC Mega station along the Umuahia/Okigwe axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road.
The practice was slammed as a dehumanizing and torturous experience, inflicting undue suffering and indignity on passengers, who are subjected to this inhumane treatment.
While applauding Governor Alex Otti for settling the long-outstanding pension debts inherited from previous administrations, the NUJ simultaneously brought to his attention the distressing situation of retirees from the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA) and the National Ambassador Newspapers (Abia Newspaper), who have been denied their pension benefits for nine months.
“The development has exposed the affected pensioners to the current harsh economic realities.
“Information available to Congress shows that about eight pensioners of BCA have passed away within the period under review reportedly as a result of their inability to fund their medication occasioned by lack of money,” it said.
The NUJ called on Governor Otti to demonstrate his commitment to the welfare of retirees by ensuring that the verified beneficiaries of BCA and National Ambassador Newspapers receive their pension payments without further delay.
Read also: Alex Otti Pays Condolence Visit To Family Of Fallen Soldier
The Congress noted with concern, the increasing crime rate within Umuahia and Aba metropolis said to be perpetrated by bad elements who disguise themselves as tricycle operators and therefore urged various tricycle unions to cooperate with the state government and security agencies in fishing the bad eggs among them.
While endorsing the Abia State government’s efforts to restore sanity to its streets by relocating mentally ill individuals, the journalists urged the authorities to adopt a more holistic approach, extending the exercise to all parts of the state to maximize its impact.
The NUJ commended Governor Alex Otti for selecting one of its own, Francis Nwaubani, as the acting DG of BCA, and charged Nwaubani to utilize his expertise and leadership skills to transform the station into a beacon of excellence.
