The Warri Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as alarming, the rising cases of kidnapping, herdsmen menace and other criminal activities in Delta State.
The Union, however, called on the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and security agencies to be proactive in tackling the rising insecurity, adding that the situation is fueling food insecurity.
According to it, “On insecurity, Congress laments rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the state. It therefore, calls on the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently tackle the alarming rate of crime in the state.
“Congress also notes with disdain, the menace of criminal herdsmen terrorising farmers, thereby plunging the state into food insecurity and demands that the perpetrators be brought to book.
“It further calls on Delta State Government to take deliberate steps to curb hunger through establishment of state agricultural hubs in the three senatorial districts. Congress also urges Local Governments in the State to do the same by setting up farm settlements, in order to boost food production in the state.”
The Union’s displeasure was contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday at the end of the congress of the Warri Correspondents Chapel held at its Press Centre in Warri, Delta State.
The communiqué drafted by Odeya Ogbetuo (Chairman), Elo-Oghene Edremoda (Secretary), Okpare Theophilus Onojeghen (member) and Onyeka Meluwa (member) commended Governor Oborevwori on landmark projects under construction across the state.
“The Congress commends Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the landmark construction projects going on across the state, particularly the flyover projects at Enerhen Junction, PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout.
“The Congress notes that the projects, upon completion, will not only beautify the twin cities of W4arri and Uvwie, but will ease traffic congestion in the areas. Congress urges the Governor to carryout rehabilitation of the link roads around ongoing construction sites”, the Union stated.
The Union also called on the state government to take proactive steps to evacuate residents living around flood-prone areas to prevent the destruction of lives and properties in the state.
It added, “In line with the warning by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), that at least 20 states, including Delta, will experience severe flooding, Congress calls on the Delta State Government to expedite action towards evacuating residents living in flood-prone areas in the state.
“It also calls on residents of communities along the bank of River Niger to be vigilant and ready to be evacuated.
“The Congress demands that N39.62 billion ecological fund and the recently released N3 billion approved to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the Federal Government in the country to tackle all forms of natural disasters, including flooding, be judiciously utilised. The N3 billion recently released to states to tackle flooding should be expended for such purpose.
“To this end, the Congress called on government to be proactive in saving the lives and properties of her citizen in such coastal communities.
“Congress frowns at the non-disclosure of the internally generated revenue by the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Board (DSIRSB). The Congress urges Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration not to follow the footsteps of his predecessor by not accounting, monthly, the revenue generated every month in the state. It demands that henceforth, IGR should be disclosed on monthly basis as it was done under the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as it will engender transparency, accountability and trust.
“On education, Congress notes with concern the lack of teachers in public secondary schools and calls on the State Government to urgently address the shortfalls, so as to save the state’s secondary education.
“The Union has been inundated with complaints from parents, communities and teachers over the shortage of teachers, particularly in Mathematics, English and some basic science subjects in secondary schools across the state.
“Congress further expresses worries over the transport system in the state owing to the harsh economic realities, as a result of the hike in petrol pump price. It, however, implores the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to design a subsidised transport system to cushion the economic hardship.
“It is Congress’ belief that if these suggestions are considered and graciously implemented, they will positively impact the administration of Governor Oborevwori and Deltans at large.”
