The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has applauded President Bola Tinubu for nominating former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), as Minister of Defence.
The Council said the gesture was an honour to Kaduna State, expressing confidence that Musa’s track record placed him in good stead to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
These were contained in a communiqué issued after the Union’s monthly congress held on 2 December at the NUJ Secretariat, and signed by Shindong Bala, Lola Seriki-Idahosa, Bashir Haruna, Abdulagafar Alabelewe and Santos Sanga.
The Congress praised the Kaduna State Government for swiftly concluding the school calendar and closing schools as a preventive measure against banditry and kidnapping.
It also commended the meeting of the 19 northern governors held in Kaduna to address pressing regional concerns.
However, the Union raised concerns over the proposed ₦19bn monthly security fund from the 19 northern states, describing it as high and urging strict transparency and proper utilisation.
The Congress called on northern governments to establish strategic strike forces capable of responding immediately to bandit attacks, warning that funds must not be used to appease criminals but to defeat them.
It urged governors to identify credible vigilante and volunteer groups to protect forests and communities.
The Congress also commended the restoration of monthly sanitation in Kaduna State.
But it expressed worry that despite installing new water pipelines at huge cost, many parts of the state still had no running water.
The Council asked the state government to adhere strictly to its development plan and halt construction near major roads, especially along Ibrahim Yakowa Way in Chikun LGA.
The Union lauded members for their dedication and urged them to continue supporting government efforts, particularly in combating insecurity.
It resolved to ask the national leadership of the NUJ to immortalise former governor, Colonel Tanko Ayuba, for his role in securing the Kaduna NUJ Secretariat in 1984.
Members were also urged to remain patient as the full accreditation of the NUJ International Institute of Journalism enters its final stage, assuring them that the certificate would enhance their career growth and professional induction within the Union.