COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MONTHLY CONGRESS OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), ADAMAWA STATE COUNCIL, HELD ON SATURDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER 2024, AT PRESS CENTRE, YOLA.
The Congress, chaired by State Chairman Comrade Ishaka Donald Dedan, had members from the Council’s nine chapels in attendance. After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted:
1. Commendation of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri: The Congress praised Governor Fintiri for transforming Adamawa State into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities. It urged him to address critical sectors, particularly water supply, where vendors exploit shortages to charge exorbitant prices. The Congress also called for the construction of additional affordable housing for low-income earners.
2. Control of Grain Export: The Congress urged the state government to curb the mass export of grains to neighboring states and Cameroon, fearing this could lead to famine and exacerbate the hardship citizens already face due to federal policies.
3. Appeal on Tax Deductions: The Congress appealed to the government to stop further tax deductions from workers’ salaries, refund the collected taxes, and temporarily waive tax regimes due to the current economic challenges.
4. Improved Traffic Flow: The Congress recommended that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) adjust their operations to use less congested roads, especially during ongoing urban renewal road constructions, to ease traffic for workers and emergency vehicles.
5. Review of Media Bill: The Congress called on the government to reconsider the media bill before the executive to protect state-owned media houses, which are facing a brain drain due to mass retirements of experienced professionals.
6. Infrastructural and Media Development: The Congress commended Governor Fintiri for ongoing infrastructural projects and the revival of state-owned media houses, urging quicker completion for better performance.
7. Security Concerns: Security issues, particularly burglary and gang activities by “Shilla boys” in the metropolis, were discussed. The Congress praised the efforts of the Police, NSCDC, DSS, and other security agencies for their collaboration in reducing these crimes and called for continued government intervention.
8. Endorsement of Candidates: The Congress endorsed Ahassan Yahaya and Abimbola as its Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates for the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Imo State this December. It also thanked the state government for supporting the NUJ delegation.
9. Call for Active Participation: The Congress expressed concern over some members’ lack of participation in union activities while benefiting from the union. It called for a change in attitude and encouraged all members to increase their engagement and support for the union’s activities to foster unity and strength.
Signed:
Fidelis Jockthan, Secretary
Ishaka Donald Dedan, Chairman
Dated: 3rd November 2024.
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