UYO, Nigeria – The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, has announced a boycott of all activities related to the state’s House of Assembly.
This decision comes in response to the appointment of a non-union member as Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong.
The resolution was one of several made during the NUJ’s monthly Congress held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Council’s Secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A communique outlining the resolutions was issued to members on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Comrade Amos Etuk, State Chairman, signed the communique; Comrade Dominic Akpan, Secretary; and Comrade Iniobong Ekponta, Comrade Dianime Uko, Comrade Emem Okon, who are respectively Chairman, Secretary, and member of the Communique drafting Committee.
It stated, “Congress directed all Journalists covering the activities of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, including the Press Corps, to withdraw their services with immediate effect over the appointment of a non-journalist as the Press Secretary (Head of Press Corps) by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong.”
The union expressed its displeasure at the development and warned that any member who defies this directive would face severe sanctions.
In addition to the boycott, the Congress discussed several other issues, including environmental and community concerns.
The union raised concerns about the recurring flooding on Atiku Abubakar Way in Uyo, caused by the indiscriminate dumping of waste that has led to drain blockage.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, AKSEPWMA, to take prompt action to address the issue.
Another issue addressed was the alleged shortchanging of oil-producing communities in Akwa Ibom State by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.
The Congress urged the NUPRC to start remitting funds generated from gas flaring fines directly to the affected communities, as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
DOWNLOAD: Official Gazette of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021
Furthermore, the Congress called on security agencies to enhance surveillance and implement measures to curb the increasing cases of phone theft in Uyo.
Additionally, they appealed to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police, and other traffic management authorities to arrest and prosecute motorists driving against traffic, as this has often resulted in accidents and injuries.
The NUJ’s decision to boycott the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly’s activities indicates the union’s stance on ensuring that their members’ roles and contributions are respected and recognized.
This move also reflects the broader concerns of journalists across the country who demand fair treatment and representation in positions that directly affect their profession.
