Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has called on the state government to urgently check the excesses of revenue agents and traffic enforcement taskforces operating within the state.
The Union noted the growing cases of harassment, road accidents, and deaths allegedly linked to the activities of the taskforce.
This was part of the resolutions reached during an emergency Congress of the Union held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki.
The well-attended meeting was presided over by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress, the NUJ condemned the aggressive methods employed by traffic taskforce personnel in enforcing regulations, warning that their conduct had resulted in fatal road crashes.
The Union called on the government to either disband the team or subject its members to thorough training to prevent further loss of lives.
Similarly, the Congress expressed deep concern over the activities of multiple revenue agents allegedly harassing residents and businesses across the state.
The NUJ urged the state government to harmonize the operations of all such agents, noting that some of them may be impostors tarnishing the image of the administration.
The Union also applauded the government’s ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including the repair of water pipes across the capital city and the decongestion of traffic through the reopening of Udensi Roundabout.
The NUJ further praised the recent executive bill seeking to regulate house rent in the state and urged the State Assembly to fast-track its passage.
In the area of utility services, the Congress condemned the “outrageous” electricity bills issued by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to postpaid consumers in Ebonyi State.
It called for the establishment of a state electricity regulatory commission to monitor the company’s activities and protect consumers’ rights.
The Congress also urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene in reported cases of extortion of landlords by community leaders, especially in Izzi Land, where landowners are subjected to multiple illegal levies.
The Union congratulated Governor Nwifuru on his second anniversary in office, commending his administration’s impact on governance.
It also celebrated members of the National and State Assemblies from Ebonyi for their legislative contributions and encouraged them to intensify efforts toward tackling national challenges.
Notably, the NUJ commended Mr Nkemkanma Kama, representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency, for fulfilling his promise of providing a borehole at the Press Centre.
The Congress further advised the government to secure construction zones like the Vanco Junction project site, to avoid accidents involving members of the public.
It also called for genuine empowerment programmes by government at all levels to address rising poverty, urging authorities to guard against hijack by racketeers.
The communiqué was signed by NUJ Chairman Comrade Samson Nwafor and Secretary Comrade Chinaza Peculiar John.
