By: Felix Ikpotor
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council has expressed worry over the state of primary and secondary schools in the state, urging the government to take quick action to remedy the situation.
The NUJ in a communique issued after its Special State Congress to mark the First Year Anniversary of the Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsaneh- led executives urged the government to ensure that the state of emergency recently declared on the education sector translates into physical action.
It also called for the renovation of schools destroyed by hoodlums to ensure that pupils have a better learning environment.
”The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) notes with deep concern the state of Rivers State Primary and secondary schools and urges the state and local governments to ensure that the state of emergency declared on education should translate into action.
”Primary and secondary schools dilapidated or vandalized by hoodlums should be renovated across the state and action should be expedited on teachers recruitment and ensure equitable posting to the schools in rural areas that presently has little or no teachers, ” the communique read in part.
The communique which was signed by the State Chairman, Paul Baziah-Nsaneh, Secretary, Dr Ijeoma Tubosia, Dr Justice Ihunwo, Dr. Grant Amadi and Mr Ejimofor Chukwudi, equally called on the government to revive primary healthcare centres around the state.
The Council also deliberated on the state of government-owned media outlets in the state, urging government to refurbish them and to recruit workers to fill vacant positions. It also urged the government to take advantage of the recent national policy on power generation and generate sufficient power to boost commercial activities in the state.
Commenting on the recent screening of commissioners by the Rivers State House Assembly, the council commended the Assembly for the live broadcast but expressed dismay over the disqualification of some nominees based on their personal opinions expressed in the media before their normation. The Council viewed the action as a violation of their freedom of expression. It also urged the Assembly to recall suspended members in the spirit of the ongoing reconciliation.
On the menace of land-grabbing going on in parts of the state, council urged the government to step up action in tackling the issue as the trend portends bad image to the state and impacts negatively on the economy.
The NUJ Rivers Council alsourged the government tackle the menace of touting on commercial vehicles in major roads of Port Harcourt city and its environs as it constitute nuisance and dents the image of the state.
On the political situation in the state, the body of practicing journalists noted with great concern the recent political violence involving the burning of a political party’s building in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State and sue for a level playing ground for all groups and political parties as the electioneering period draws nearer.
