Pastor Edward Ogude, Vice Chairman, NUJ Zone F.
By Abasifreke Effiong
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Zone F, has called on Governors of the South-South states to come together and form a regional security outfit in the South-South.
NUJ, Zone F covers nine states of the South-South.
At it quarterly meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital the Union in a communique says Governors in the zone should rise up and work together to check the rising insecurity in the region.
“The meeting also called on the Governors of the zone to come up with a regional security outfit to check the rising insecurity situation in the zone as well as close ranks to ensure the development of the zone.”
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The communique jointly signed by the Vice President of NUJ zone F, Pastor Edward Ogude, and zonal secretary
Dr. Bassey Eyoh, urged the South-South governors to prevail on the federal government to expedite action on upgrading of ports in the zone to reduce pressure on Lagos port.
The meeting frowned at the destruction of Letugbene community in Bayelsa state by men of the Nigerian Army and condemned the vandalization of Radio Bayelsa by some youths during a protest against the Supreme Court judgment on the Bayelsa governorship.
The meeting also condemned the alleged killing and burial of indigenes of Uweheru community in Ughelli North in Delta state by suspected herdsmen.
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The communique indicates that the meeting congratulated, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, on his emergence as Chairman of South-South Governors Forum believing that his emergence will bring unity, peace and development to the zone.
The meeting mandated respective state councils of NUJ in the zone to adopt measures to eradicate quackery in the profession.
The meeting endorsed the aspirations of the Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Timi Idoko, who is vying for the National Deputy President of NAWOJ and Helen Udofa, Assistant National Secretary of NAWOJ, who is contesting for the position of National Secretary of NAWOJ.
READ DETAILS OF THE COMMUNIQUE BELOW:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS (NUJ), ZONE F HELD ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2020 IN UYO, AKWA-IBOM STATE.
The meeting which was presided over by the Zonal Vice President, Pastor Edward Ogude deliberated on sundry issues affecting the Zone and resolved on the following:
1. The meeting reemphasized the need for the review of the Constitution of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), to reflect the current realities stressing that the review is long overdue.
2. The meeting mandates state councils of the zone to adopt appropriate measures towards the eradication of quackery and to instill discipline amongst members.
3. The meeting urged the leadership of the State Council in the Zone to ensure the registration and biometrics capturing of their members.
4. The meeting resolved to prioritize the welfare of members in the zone.
5. The meeting endorsed the aspirations of the Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Timi Jombo Idoko and the Assistant National Secretary of NAWOJ, Helen Udofa for the positions of National Deputy President and National Secretary of NAWOJ respectively.
6. The meeting called on the Governors of the South South to prevail on the Federal Government to expedite action to upgrade Sea Ports in the zone to reduce the current pressure on the Lagos Port and expand economic activities in the zone.
7. The meeting also called on the Governors of the zone to come up with a Regional Security Outfit to check the rising insecurity situation in the zone as well as close ranks to ensure the development of the zone.
8. It congratulates the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for emerging Chairman of the South South Governors Forum believing that his emergence would bring unity, peace and development to the zone.
9. The meeting condemned the vandalization of Radio Bayelsa office including official and staff vehicles by some youths in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State over the Supreme Court judgement of the November 16, 2019 Governorship Election in the Bayelsa State.
10. The meeting also condemned the sacking of Letugbene Community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State by soldiers and urged soldiers to always go after criminals and not entire community.
11. The meeting further condemned the alleged killing and burial of innocent citizens in shallow graves in a bush in Uweheru Community in Ughelli North in Delta State by suspected herdsmen.
12. The meeting thanked the Akwa-Ibom State Government for hosting the Zonal Meeting.
Pastor Edward Ogude–Zonal VP
Dr Bassey Eyoh-Zonal Secretary.
COMMUNIQUE DRAFTING COMMIITTE
Okar Ibor —– Chairman
Ogio Ipigansi -Secretary
Dominic Akpan- Member
