By CHARLES IWUOHA

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone C (South East), has called on the five governors from the South East to forge a stronger synergy and collaboration for regional development and security stability.

The call was part of a communiqué issued on Sunday at the end of its Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held at Golphin Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.

The ZEC meeting, chaired by the NUJ South-East Vice President, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of the five state councils in the zone including National officers from the zone.

They emphasized the urgent need for South-East Governors Forum to collaborate to attract federal projects, draw development partners, and to boost road infrastructure for the socio-economic growth of the region.

On the reported alleged attack and obstruction of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, during his visit to Yelwata, Benue State, ZEC frowned at the incident and demanded for thorough Police investigation into the matter to avert election violence.

The communique further adds that ZEC expressed worry over the failure of the leadership of the Igbo socio-cultural body Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to address and react to the pressing challenges confronting the South-East, stressing the need for the leadership to be proactive in advancing the cause of the South East.

The ZEC also called on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), to fully realize its developmental mandate by leveraging budgetary allocations, economic potentials, and regional opportunities to tackle the pressing challenges facing the zone.

On infrastructure, the NUJ urged the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently rehabilitate critical transport corridors in the South-East, particularly the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which it said has become a deathtrap for motorists and road users.

The union also called for permanent safety interventions along the accident-prone Ugwu Onyema Hill axis in Enugu State, urging state governments to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works towards reducing crashes and loss of lives along the route.

The ZEC further raised concerns over the increasing threat posed by erosion and environmental degradation, calling on governments at all levels to devote adequate resources to erosion control and environmental protection.

It equally appealed to landlords and residents to embrace environmentally friendly housing and sanitation practices to safeguard public health and reduce environmental hazards.

The journalists also expressed concern over what they described as excessive militarisation of the region, alleging harassment and extortion of motorists and other road users. In view of this, ZEC urged the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, state governors and Commissioners of Police to take immediate steps to halt this unlawful harassment and extortion.

Another major concern was the activities of scrap-metal operators, popularly known as “Iron Condemn”. The NUJ urged state, local government and community authorities to establish effective regulatory mechanisms and enforcement teams to check alleged links between some scrap-metal operators and property theft and kidnapping.

The union, however, commended ongoing federal infrastructure interventions in the region and urged the authorities to sustain and expand such projects.

On professional standards within the union, the ZEC applauded the Imo State Council for introducing biometric data capturing for vehicle owners using NUJ stickers, describing the measure as an innovation capable of curbing quackery and enhancing security. It encouraged other state councils to consider adopting similar measures.

The council also commended the Anambra State Council for successfully hosting its 35th anniversary and Press Week, urging the leadership to sustain initiatives that promote professionalism and innovation in journalism.