By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation across the country.
The union made its position known during its zonal meeting held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, over the weekend.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President, Zone F; Comrade John Angese (Ph.D), Zonal Secretary; Comrade Paul Bazia, Chairman of the Rivers State Council and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee; and Comrade Kingsley Agim, Assistant Secretary of the Cross River State Council and Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
The communiqué, issued to journalists in Calabar, noted with concern the gradual spread of insecurity into areas previously regarded as peaceful.
It urged state governments within the zone to strengthen their security architecture and tackle emerging threats decisively.
The NUJ advocated intensified community policing, proper profiling of persons entering communities, and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies in addressing security challenges.
While acknowledging the proactive measures adopted by governments across the South-South region in safeguarding lives and property, the union emphasized the need for vigilance regarding vehicles escorted by men in military uniforms, citing the proliferation of military gear in the hands of non-state actors.
The zonal leadership also commended the Cross River State Government for the remarkable developmental strides recorded within the first three years of its administration.
The South-South Zone further commended the Federal Government for the progress made on the Calabar–Itu Highway project but urged the authorities to expedite its completion, as well as other critical road projects in the region, to alleviate the hardships faced by commuters and reduce road-related fatalities.
The meeting also applauded the Federal Government for the completion of the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Highway, describing it as a significant intervention in regional infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the Federal Government was urged to accelerate efforts toward environmental remediation in oil-producing communities across the South-South region and conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments to determine and address the long-term effects of oil exploration and production activities.
The communiqué advised governments across the region not to sacrifice governance on the altar of political campaigns and re-election pursuits but to remain focused on delivering democratic dividends while conducting political activities responsibly.