By Edem Ekpo, Calabar
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene in the alleged harassment and extortion of motorists by traffic enforcement teams operating across Calabar.
The union raised concerns that officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office, the Department of Public Transportation, the Traffic and Maintenance Agency, as well as unidentified task force operatives, frequently engage in practices that intimidate motorists and demand irregular payments. It stated that such actions create a negative perception of the state and affect its image as a friendly tourism destination.
These concerns formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ October Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.
The congress expressed appreciation to members for their support during the recently concluded Fifth Edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award and encouraged sustained unity and cooperation among journalists in the state.
The NUJ acknowledged the state government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, particularly efforts to close down illegal schools. However, it called for the provision of potable water and functional toilet facilities in public primary and secondary schools to improve hygiene and learning conditions.
On power supply, the congress expressed concern over rising disagreements between consumers and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company regarding estimated billing. It urged the state government to interface with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure wider distribution of prepaid meters.
The union noted that while infrastructure projects such as the Jonathan Bypass are progressing, several roads in Calabar require urgent repairs. It also called for the restoration and functionality of streetlights along the IBB to Jonathan Bypass corridor and the Atimbo axis for improved security and nighttime visibility.
The NUJ condemned what it described as aggressive and exploitative revenue enforcement tactics in the transport sector. It stated that motorists are often compelled to make cash payments above approved penalties, without documentation or receipts, which it said encourages extortion and lack of accountability.
It also expressed concern over the resurgence of scavenger activities in some communities and called on relevant agencies to regulate their operations to enhance public safety and environmental sanitation.
On welfare matters, the congress lamented the delay in the payment of salaries to local government workers, noting that as of October 22, September salaries were yet to be paid. It also urged the state government to resolve the ongoing strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria and to implement the Consolidated Assembly Staff Salary Structure, observing that Cross River remains the only state in the South South yet to do so.
The union applauded the state government for honouring Super Falcons player Miracle Usani and encouraged 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.