C'River: NUJ Urges Otu to Curb Harassment, Extortion of Motorists in Calabar
…condemns delay in local government salary payments
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has called on Governor Bassey Otu to urgently address the recurring harassment and extortion of motorists by state agents in Calabar.
The union noted that the activities of several task force outfits, including officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), the Department of Public Transportation (DOPT), the Traffic and Maintenance Agency (TRAMA), as well as other unidentified operatives enforcing traffic regulations across the city, are damaging the state’s reputation as a peaceful tourism destination.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s October Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
The congress expressed appreciation to members for their cooperation during the recently concluded Fifth Edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award.
It also called for continued unity and cohesion to advance the collective interest of the union.
While commending the state government for ongoing reforms in the education sector and the closure of illegal schools, the NUJ urged swift provision of potable water and functional toilet facilities in public primary and secondary schools in order to improve learning conditions and reduce open defecation.
On electricity supply, the congress expressed concern over the increasing disputes between consumers and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company arising from estimated billing. It urged the state government to engage the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure wider access to prepaid meters.
The NUJ acknowledged ongoing infrastructural projects such as the work on the Jonathan Bypass but appealed to the government to repair deteriorating roads in the Calabar metropolis, particularly major streets developing new potholes after recent rehabilitation. It further emphasized the need for the installation of functional streetlights along the IBB to Jonathan Bypass corridor and the Atimbo axis to enhance safety and mobility.
The union condemned what it described as crude and exploitative methods used by some tax and revenue collectors in the transport sector. It noted that motorists are frequently compelled to pay cash amounts far above official penalties for minor traffic offences, often without receipts.
It also raised concern over the resurgence of scavenger activities in some parts of the state and urged relevant agencies to regulate their operations to ensure public safety and environmental cleanliness.
On welfare issues, the NUJ expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in the payment of salaries to local government workers, noting that as of October 22, September salaries had not been paid. It further urged the state government to address the ongoing strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria and to implement the Consolidated Assembly Staff Salary Structure, stating that Cross River is the only state in the South South region yet to do so.
The congress commended the state government for honouring Super Falcons player Miracle Usani and called for similar recognition for athletes from Cross River who won medals at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta and the National Youth Games in Asaba.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Anthony Ita Etim, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Comrade Maria Ewa, Secretary of the Committee, Comrade Mike Abang, State Secretary, and Comrade Archibong Bassey, State Chairman.
