The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council has called on political actors, parties and their supporters to play by the rules and uphold democratic norms as political activities build up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of its monthly Congress held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, No. 66 Aba Road, Umuahia, and presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye.
In the communique jointly signed by Council Chairman, Chidi Asonye and Council Secretary, Iyke Onuegbu, the Union urged stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns.
The Union specifically cautioned politicians to “refrain from hate speech, inflammatory statements, violence, and acts capable of undermining the peace, security and stability of Abia State.”
The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to objective, factual and responsible journalism, calling on all stakeholders to prioritize peace, good governance and the welfare of citizens as the state approaches the polls.
Congress applauded the Abia State Government for the commencement of payments of arrears of gratuities to pensioners and urged the government to sustain the payment.
On security, Congress expressed concern over reports of infiltration of criminal elements in parts of Umuahia, Aba and other communities, with the involvement of some youths in activities that threaten public safety. It called on security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement.
Congress advocated a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach involving government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society to address emerging security challenges and guarantee safety of lives and property.
It further urged security agencies to step up preparedness and strengthen the security architecture across the state in anticipation of increased political activities ahead of 2027.
On the economy, the Council observed with dismay the persistent electricity challenges confronting residents and businesses, noting that the high cost of tariffs worsens the already harsh economic condition of the people.
It called on the State Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address the situation.
The Union ended with a pledge to continue to promote peace, good governance and professional journalism in the state.(The Eagle News)
