Akwa Ibom: NUJ worried over influx of okada riders, scrap metal traders, scavengers in Eket

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council has raised concerns over the increasing influx of  individuals into Eket Local Government Area, particularly those engaged in commercial motorcycle transportation, scrap metal trading, and scavenging activities.

Arising from June congress on Thursday, the union urged local authorities and security agencies to ensure proper profiling and monitoring of persons and activities within the area in the interest of public safety and security.

In a communique endorsed by the Chairman and the Secretary of the NUJ council, Comrade Nsibiet John and Nsikak Esenowo, the union also called on regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, to strengthen monitoring and verification processes to ensure compliance with extant laws and regulations.

While recognizing the constitutional rights of citizens to reside and work in any part of the country, the union stated that the recent development had more to be worried about.

“Congress expressed concern over the increasing influx of individuals into Eket Local Government Area, particularly those engaged in commercial motorcycle transportation, scrap metal trading, and scavenging activities,” the communique read in part.

Congress also expressed concern over the overcrowded condition of correctional facilities, particularly the high number of awaiting-trial inmates at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre. 

It urged the judiciary and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to expedite the trial of pending cases in order to decongest custodial centres and promote the efficient administration of justice.

On environmental sanitation and public health, Congress called on the Eket Local Government Council and relevant environmental agencies to regulate the open processing of cow skin and related activities within the area, noting that the practice poses environmental, public health, and sanitation concerns for affected communities.

Congress also condemned the recent harassment of journalists while carrying out their lawful duties within court premises and reaffirmed that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional role without intimidation, obstruction, or undue interference.

 It called on relevant authorities to uphold press freedom and protect media practitioners at all times.