NUJ urges South-South governors to revive BRACED Commission

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone ‘F’ has called on the Governors of the South-South region to revive the BRACED Commission to coordinate the activities of the region to enhance development.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the Zone ‘F’ meeting of the union held in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

The communique was signed by Comrade Dominic Akpan as Chairman, Communique drafting Committee, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, Vice President, Zone F and Comrade Angese John, Zonal Secretary and two others.

The communique appealed to Board members of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to eschew inter-fighting and focus on the development of the region for the benefit of the people.

“It called on the Board members to stop the ego war and work to deliver on the Commission’s mandate to the people of the zone.

“The meeting noted the resurgence of kidnapping and other criminal activities in some parts of Rivers State after the 2023 general elections as these incidents have claimed the lives of some citizens and led to the destruction of properties.

“It, therefore, called on the Rivers State Government and security agencies to beef up security in the State to address the drift,” the communique stated.

The communique condemned the demolition of property of the Bayelsa Government by the Rivers Government, stressing that the action was inimical to good neighbourliness, brotherhood, good conscience, unity and of the two states.

The appealed to the two state governors to find a common ground to resolve the matter amicably for the interest of her citizens.

The communique commended the Federal Government for its infrastructure development and called on them to as a matter of urgency take concrete action to complete East-West Road, Calabar-Itu Highway, Benin – Sapale Road, Benin -Lokoja Road to give the people of the region sense of belonging.

“The meeting noted with satisfaction the support of some governors in the South-South to the Union in their respective States.

“Particularly, the meeting commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a strong pillar of support to Akwa Ibom State Council.

“Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Douye Diri for appointing journalists into positions of trust and for equipping the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex with State – of – the Art equipment, including the digital facilities for Radio Bayelsa and the Niger Delta Television.

“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for considering a member of the Delta State Council as a Permanent Secretary among other numerous supports.

“Similarly, the meeting lauded the Edo State Government, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for paying civil servants in the State, N40, 000.00 minimum wages and urged other State Governments in the Zone to emulate the worthy example,” the communique stated.

The communique urged members of the union to uphold the standards of the journalism profession at all times so that it would not lose public confidence, especially in the face of new media and fake news. 

Our correspondent reports that the meeting was attended by State Council Chairmen and Secretaries with the National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo in attendance.