The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity, illegal revenue collection, poor enforcement of government policies, arbitrary levies in public schools and other socio-economic challenges confronting the state, urging authorities to take immediate and decisive action.
The position formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s monthly Congress held on Tuesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba, and presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe.
The Congress, attended by journalists from across the state, deliberated extensively on critical issues affecting governance, public safety, infrastructure, education, the environment and citizens’ welfare.
On the proliferation of unauthorized billboards, the Congress described the increasing erection of substandard and poorly engineered advertising structures across Asaba, Effurun and Warri as a major public safety concern.
The Union warned that the development poses significant dangers to lives and property, diminishes urban aesthetics and contributes to government revenue losses.
It therefore called on the Delta State Signage and Advertisement Agency (DESAA) and other relevant authorities to intensify regulatory enforcement by removing defective structures and ensuring strict compliance with approved standards.
Congress also frowned at the misuse of flyovers in Asaba, Warri and Effurun, where tricycle operators and street traders have allegedly converted public infrastructure into makeshift motor parks and markets.
The communiqué stated, “These flyovers were constructed at enormous public expense to ease traffic flow and improve urban mobility. Their misuse not only defeats this purpose but also exposes road users and traders to avoidable accidents while diminishing the aesthetics of the environment.”
While acknowledging the efforts of the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, in addressing the situation, the Union urged government ministries, security agencies and other relevant authorities to reclaim the facilities and strictly enforce traffic regulations.
The Congress strongly condemned the activities of illegal local government taskforces operating on federal roads, accusing them of harassing and extorting motorists under the guise of revenue collection.
Particular concern was expressed over reports from Udu Local Government Area where such practices allegedly continue despite claims that they lack official approval.
According to the communiqué, “Such activities amount to illegal taxation, impede commerce and investment, and are inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing the powers of Local Governments.”
Congress therefore demanded the immediate disbandment of all illegal road taskforces and prosecution of those involved.
On security, the journalists expressed grave concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other criminal activities across Delta State.
While commending security agencies for ongoing efforts, the Union noted that residents, including journalists carrying out legitimate professional duties, now face increasing threats to their safety.
Congress consequently urged the Delta State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen community policing and collaborate more closely with stakeholders to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
The Union equally lamented what it described as the poor implementation of resolutions reached at government summits, particularly the recent Delta State Security Summit.
It stressed that such engagements should produce measurable outcomes rather than remain ceremonial exercises.
“Summits should not become mere ceremonial events or platforms for rhetoric,” the communiqué stated, urging government to establish clear implementation timelines, monitoring mechanisms and accountability frameworks.
Congress further condemned the harassment and extortion of traders and market women by individuals posing as revenue collectors and taskforce operatives.
The Union insisted that only duly authorised government officials operating through approved payment channels should collect revenues.
It commended the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, for apprehending fake taskforce operators, describing his actions as worthy of emulation by other local government councils.
On agriculture and security, Congress expressed dissatisfaction over the weak enforcement of the Delta State anti-open grazing law.
The Union warned that continued violations threaten peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, reduce agricultural production thereby negatively impact food production.
