A COMMUNIQUE PRESENTED AT THE END OF MONTHLY CONGRESS OF NUJ, ANAMBRA STATE COUNCIL
Congress welcomed the candidate of the Young Progressives Party for Awka North And South Federal Constituency, Mr Kingsley Uyammadu, (Otosi Achalla) who visited to interact with the congress on his manifesto for his consistuency in the upcoming election. Congress noted that he is very sound in knowledge about the State, nation and Internatuonal dealings as well as in entrepreneurial advancement; adding that he was impressive in his presentation.
As tradition, Congress deliberated on issues happening in the union, the state and the Nation and made the following resolutions and recommendations.
RESOLUTIONS:
STATE OF THE UNION:
- Congress commended the State Working Committee (SWC) led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, for the vibrant and efficient manner in which it has steered the affairs of the Council since coming onboard, while urging the Chapels to toe the same line towards a stronger Union in the state.
- Congress advised that the chapels are further strengthened to become the basis for reward system in the council. The strategy it is suggested will help to revitalize chapels and make members committed members of their chapels.
STATE OF THE STATE
- Congress commended the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration for responding positively to the demands by the citizens of the state on the poor state of major roads in the state. It commended the declaration of state of emergency on the roads, the ongoing awards and flag off of critical roads. It, however, regretted the delay in the commencement of the roads already flagged off and asked the state government to ensure that contractors immediately commence work on the roads.
- Congress advised the state government to look into social welfare issues of the citizenry. It asked her to come up with government policies that will serve as social safety nets and economic stimulus packages that will help cushion the effects of the country’s economic situation. It asked the state government to, in this light, ensure prompt payment of gratuities and pensions to the senior citizens of the state and other emoluments due to the state work force.
- The Congress observed with dismay the ugly trend going on in the state in the enforcement of revenue generation windows for the state government. It decried the manner at which commercial transporters are haggled, extorted, and manhandled by the different enforcement teams in the state and some security agencies who leverage on the opportunity to intimidate Law abiding citizens. Congress advised that a more civilized approach is adopted in the enforcement in ensuring that transporters pay their taxes and levies. It also asked that the State government streamlines the agency in charge of such enforcement to avoid a loophole where non-government actors will begin to extort citizens in the name of government.
- In the same vein, Congress decried the return of extortion on our highways by officers of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Military in different parts of the state who conduct such nefarious activities in full broad day light and with all manners of entrenched impunity. Congress described how it has observed how some of these officers illegally mutilate and or add extra pockets on their officials uniforms to conveniently carry out these acts. It, therefore, called on security chiefs in the state to swung into action and put an end to this practice.
- Congress decried the level of insecurity in the state at the moment. It observed a skyrocket in mindless killings, armed robbery and kidnappings especially the capital city and called on the state government and security agencies to nip the ugly trend immediately.
SIGNED:
Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD
Chairman, NUJ Anambra State Council
Comrade Aloysius Ofodile,
Secretary, NUJ Anambra State Council
Members of Communique Drafting Committee:
1. Ikenna Nwokedi, Ph.D
2. Henry Duru, Ph.D
3. Lawrence Nwimo
4. Titus Eleweke
5. David Okpokwasili
