On Saturday, the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Sokoto State Council issued a warning to its members, urging them to resist the temptation to fall victim to political blackmail and character assassination.
The Council announced the decision in a communique that was released following its meeting and was jointly signed by Dalhatu Safiyal-Magori, the state NUJ Chairman, and Muhammad Bello, the secretary.
“As the 2023 general election draws closer, members should remain apolitical and uphold the confidence of the people by maintaining objectivity and acting act professionally.
“Members are therefore warned, that the union will not be there for any one who intentionally violates ethics for personal aggrandizement,” it said.
The congress also urged national politicians to promote peaceful campaigning ahead to, during, and after the elections.
Additionally, it exhorted the federal and state governments of Sokoto to devise additional strategies for resolving the grave security issues facing both the state and the nation as a whole.
“Government should expedite action to tackle the challenge of rural-urban migration, increased child street begging as well as hike in the number of displaced persons forced by the aggravated insecurity in the country.
“Sokoto State Government should, amongst other things, urgently establish a ministry or agency for refugees to help curtail the increased number of street-beggars in the state,” it added
The congress urged the FG and ASUU to seriously explore a swift and amicable conclusion to the Academic Staff Union of Universities strike.
“This is to allow for students’ return to classes in order to avoid their involvement in crimes, thereby increasing the crime rate in the society,” it said.
Additionally, the congress urged eligible voters who had registered but hadn’t yet picked up their Permanent Voter Cards to do so in order to maintain their right to vote.
The state administration was urged to remove trash piles from the Abu Dankure Meat and Vegetable Market and to patch the potholes at all roundabouts in the city.
It also commended the security agencies, the FG, and the Sokoto state government for their tenacious efforts to resolve security issues throughout the state.
GOGAN Media.