The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has called on relevant authorities to address the continued movement of cattle within and around Umuahia, the state capital.
The union made the appeal during its monthly congress at the NUJ State Secretariat in Umuahia, expressing concern that animal dung was defacing parts of the city and posing environmental challenges.
In a communiqué signed by the Abia State Chairman, Chidi Asonye, and Secretary, Ikechukwu Onuegbu, the council also commended the Abia State Government for commencing payment of arrears of leave allowances owed to civil servants. It said the move would boost workers’ morale and enhance service delivery.
However, the NUJ reminded Governor Alex Otti to fulfil his 2025 pledge to settle outstanding entitlements due to the next-of-kin of deceased state workers.
The council urged journalists in the state to avoid praise-singing public office holders and instead uphold their constitutional responsibility of holding leaders accountable.
The NUJ further expressed concern over the low number of registered voters in Abia State as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It called on government officials, religious leaders and community stakeholders to mobilise eligible residents to register ahead of future elections.