The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to clamp down on impostors posing as journalists, in compliance with a directive from its National Secretariat.
At its recent monthly congress, the NUJ resolved that individuals who are not certified to practice journalism under the Nigeria Press Council law but stiill parade themselves as journalists will be prosecuted if caught.
The congress communiqué, signed by Chairman Chidi Asonye and Secretary Ikechukwu Onuegbu, also urged the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and residents to clear blocked drainage channels across the state to prevent flooding during the rainy season.
The congress recommended that the state government construct speed bumps and a roundabout at Sign Board Junction along the newly rebuilt Umuahia–Uzuakoli Road.
This, they said, would help reduce the recurring accidents in the area. They also appealed to tricycle riders to drive more carefully.
The journalists called on the government to complete the halted promotion process for Abia civil servants, some of whom have not received a promotion in over six years.
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They also demanded tighter oversight of internal revenue officers accused of collecting cash from business owners without issuing receipts after sealing their shops for defaulting on taxes. The NUJ stressed that these payments should be made through banks, as directed by the government.
Applauding the administration for launching solar power and public water rehabilitation projects, the union urged the authorities to secure these facilities from damage and theft.
The NUJ also appreciated the state for completing the Umuochiala Road project, which leads to the Abia State Medical City in Mbaasaa, Isiala Ngwa South.
Finally, the congress asked Governor Alex Otti to launch a probe into the Ministry of Finance and other MDAs following complaints about underpayment, unexplained salary deductions, unpaid wages, and failure to implement the new minimum wage in some departments.