From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council has expressed worry over what it observed as the constant practice of the state government to engage an Abuja-based media consultant to carryout project appraisals.
The union observed that rather than engage journalists in the state who have been projecting its activities from inception, government has inculcated the habit of sidelining them, describing the preference for outsiders as not only encouraging capital flight, but highly condemnable.
Making their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on Wednesday in Makurdi, they frowned at the derogatory words always used by one of the governor’s media aides, including during a recent media tour, where he addressed journalists in the state, describing his attitude as unacceptable.
The communiqué signed by the Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, Martins Kajo and Secretary, Chira Martins expressed worry over the renewed attack on Benue communities, calling on security agencies to step up surveillance to avert further killings and displacement of people from their ancestral homes.
It equally called on overzealous armed security personnel to desist from unwarranted extrajudicial killings and molestation of innocent residents.
While congratulating Governor Hyacinth Alia on his 59th birthday and his second anniversary in office, the union also commended the administration for introducing people-oriented policies such as abolishment of marching ground levy which was collected by youths from developers, a practice it said had delayed the development of Makurdi metropolis.
The union also congratulated Benue children on this year’s Children’s Day celebration, calling on government at all levels to develop policies that are in line with SDG3.
