ETIM EFFIONG
Members of the Correspondents Chapter under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called on contractors handling road projects in the state to quicken the pace of work during the dry season.
The union also urged politicians across the country to adhere to the electoral law and party constitutions as the elections draw nigh.
This was contained in a communique signed by the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Idongesit Ashameri and the Secretary, Comrade Isaiah Eka, to mark the one-year anniversary of the administration.
The chapel said adherence to the electoral laws would help to check violence and bloodshed that would disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State and the country.
The union further called on journalists across the country to adhere to the ethics of the profession and not allow themselves to be used by politicians during this election’s year.
“The chapel urged politicians at both the state and national levels to conduct their political activities in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and the Constitution of their respective parties.
“To ensure that the forthcoming party primaries and the general elections are devoid of violence, bloodshed, and unnecessary rancour, that would disrupt the peace that the state currently enjoys.
“The Chapel urged members and all journalists in the state and across the country to strictly adhere to the ethics of the profession, as political activities gathered momentum for the 2023 General elections.
“That journalist should not allow themselves to be used by political office holders/seekers as instruments to settle political scores.
“The chapel calls on contractors handling road projects in the state to adhere to the directives of the Commissioner for Works that they have been massively mobilised and should move to the site during this dry season, as we do not know how long the dry season will last.
“That they should also accelerate their activities to ensure all the roads currently under construction are completed for inauguration before the end of this administration and calls for closer supervision of all ongoing projects to ensure quality projects and timely completion,” the communique stated.
The union charged the state government to focus on the revitalisation of the Primary Healthcare system to check the deplorable conditions of many primary health centres.
The communique noted that emphasis should be focused on pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as children under five years.
