The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has called on political leaders and government institutions in the state to prioritize peace, governance, and development.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia Achelonu, Secretary of the NUJ Rivers State Council, and Comrade Paul Bazia, Chairman of the Council and issued at the end of its state congress held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. The congress had in attendance chairmen and secretaries of chapels, as well as practicing journalists across the state.
In its resolutions, the union acknowledged the restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and welcomed Governor Siminialayi Fubara, his Deputy, and members of the State Assembly back to the wheel of governance.
The congress urged the Executive and Legislative arms of government, alongside other political actors in the state, to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of progress and stability.
The NUJ also raised concerns over the increasing number of potholes across Port Harcourt, urging the government to fix them urgently due to their impact on traffic flow, economic activities, and the city’s outlook.
On infrastructure, the journalists appealed to the state government to recommence the Ring Road project and other suspended projects to stimulate growth and development.
The communiqué further recommended that more investments be made in agriculture through loan disbursement to small-scale farmers, monitored under a productivity framework to enhance food security.
Other key issues raised included:
The rising number of mentally challenged persons on the streets of Port Harcourt, which the government was urged to address, the need for local government chairmen to prioritize the people’s interests over partisan politics.
Others are, measures to decongest Port Harcourt by decentralizing development across the state, immediate urban renewal, especially the clearing of blocked canals and drainages, urgent flood control measures by both the state and local governments and the appointment of a competent communication professional as Commissioner for Information and Communication to strengthen government-media relations.
