The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel held its monthly congress and deliberated extensively on pressing socio-economic, security and infrastructural issues confronting Warri, Effurun and other parts of Delta State.
At the end of the deliberations, Congress resolved as follows:
1) Congress expressed serious concern over the deplorable states of the Effurun/Sapele Road particularly from the Mercyland stretch to the Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
2) Members observed that the road had deteriorated into a death trap, with deep potholes, failed sections and poor drainage posing serious risks to motorists and other commercial transport operators, pedestrians and residents.
3) Congress noted that the condition of the road had continued to cause avoidable road crashes, vehicle breakdowns, daily traffic congestions and untold hardship for commuters and businesses operating within the corridor.
4) The Congress noted that, though construction work is ongoing on the stretch, but called on the relevant authorities to help maintain orderliness on the axis.
5). Congress also expressed concern over the persistent traffic congestion and environmental nuisance around the Mami Market, the adjoining roundabouts and the Mercyland axis.
6) Members observed that indiscriminate parking of petroleum tankers, articulated vehicles and other heavy-duty trucks along the road had continued to obstruct the free-flow of traffic, endangered road users and created a major public safety concern.
7). Congress called on the Delta State Government, Uvwie Local Government Council, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to enforce existing traffic regulations, evacuate illegally parked tankers and trucks from the area, and relocate traders operating the on road shoulders to restore order and ensure public safety.
8) Congress further expressed deep concern over the worsening incidence of cult-related and other criminal activities across Warri and neighbouring communities. The chapel condemned the senseless killings, attacks and destruction of property arising from cult clashes and called on the Delta State Police Command and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance and ensure that all perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.
9). Congress stressed that residents deserved to live and conduct their lawful businesses without fear of violence or intimidation.
10). Congress equally drew attention to the recurring flooding affecting several communities, particularly the Refinery Road corridor and other flood-prone areas of Warri and Effurun.
11). Members noted that blocked drains, poor road infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems had continued to expose residents to hardship, destruction of properties and disruption of commercial activities whenever there was a heavy downpour.
12). Congress therefore called on the Delta State Government to undertake urgent desilting of drains, construct effective drainage channels and implement lasting flood control measures across affected communities.
13) Congress strongly condemned the rising wave of political violence in parts of Delta State and expressed concern over the increasing tension ahead of future political activities. The chapel urged political office holders, political parties, their supporters and all stakeholders to embrace issue-based politics, shun violence, inflammatory rhetoric and acts capable of undermining peace, security and democratic governance.
14). Congress further appealed to security agencies to remain impartial, professional and proactive in preventing politically motivated violence and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.
15). Congress also called on governments at all levels to pay greater attention to infrastructure development, environmental sanitation, public safety and youth empowerment as sustainable measures to reduce unemployment, criminalities and social unrest in Delta State.
16) Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, to responsible journalism, ethical standard, defence of press freedom, promotion of good governance and constructive engagement on issues affecting the welfare of the people. The chapel pledged to continue to play it’s watchdog role to the society while advocating for policies and programmes that promote peace, development and accountability.
This communiqué was drafted and adopted at the end of the Congress. The Drafting Committee was chaired by Senator Omonigho Mathew, with Comrade Onyekachukwu Meluwa serving as Secretary and Comrade Mrs. Success Okuchemiya as a member.
