Publish Names Of Bandits’ Sponsors, NUJ Tells Buhari Govt

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, on Sunday, urged the Federal Government to publish the names of those sponsoring criminality in the country, as earlier promised by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

It also said the Federal Government should allow governors to establish State police to complement the existing security architecture.

Naijanews reports that this was contained in a communique signed and issued by the Union’s National Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, at the end of the NUJ National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Sunday.

The Communique reads in part, “NEC notes with concern the high rate of insecurity across the country and calls on the Federal Government to overhaul the security apparatus with a view to combatting incessant killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities ravaging the country.

“Efforts should also be intensified to effect the release of 136 school pupils still in the kidnappers custody in Niger State without further delay.

“More importantly NEC  encourages the Federal Government to make public the list of those sponsoring criminality in the country as earlier promised by the Attorney General of the Federation.

“As a further step towards improving the security situation in the Country,  State Governments should be allowed to establish  state police to complement the existing security architecture.”
While lamenting the poor state of federal roads, the NUJ called on the Federal Government to prioritise the construction of additional rail lines and rehabilitation of more roads for effective transportation.”

Other demands the Union made on the Government include: “To summon an urgent conference of stakeholders to map out strategies to avert the impending food crisis in the country, as a result of insecurity.   

“To wade in and avert the escalation of the trend of intimidation and harassment of journalists in the country by both Agents of the State and Freelance Actors.

“To dialogue with  Resident doctors to end the ongoing industrial action which has already subjected many Nigerians to untold hardship.”To also return to the negotiation table with ASUU to prevent an impending strike.”

The Union expressed regret that more state Governments are now unable to pay salaries, pensions and gratuities of workers as and when due, and called on the 36 State Governors to prioritise projects that have direct relevance to  the yearnings and aspirations of their people.