The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has called on the Federal Government to compensate Nigerians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa as well as victims of kidnapping across the country, while urging authorities to investigate alleged harassment and intimidation of residents by individuals posing as FCT task force operatives.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ FCT Council’s monthly congress held at the Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, on Saturday. The communiqué was signed by Communiqué Drafting Committee members Olakunle Awoniyi, Princess Halima Jubril and Naomi Sharang, as well as the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle.
The Congress expressed deep concern over the recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, noting that many victims had lost valuable property and continued to suffer physical, emotional and psychological trauma despite previous evacuation efforts by the Federal Government.
The Council urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with the South African Government to secure compensation for affected Nigerians and facilitate the recovery of their properties.
It also pledged to sustain media advocacy on the plight of Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence.
On the country’s security situation, the Congress decried the persistent abduction of students, teachers and other innocent citizens, calling on the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive compensation policy for kidnap victims, their families and security personnel involved in rescue operations.
The journalists’ body also raised alarm over the indiscriminate felling of mature trees across the Federal Capital Territory without replacement, describing the trend as environmentally unsustainable in the face of climate change.
It called on the FCT Department of Parks and Recreation and the Development Control Department to ensure that every tree removed is replaced while strengthening environmental protection measures.
The communiqué further expressed concern over the growing population of destitute persons and street beggars across Abuja, urging the FCT Social Development Secretariat to implement sustainable rehabilitation programmes to address the humanitarian challenge.
The Congress also condemned what it described as the harassment and intimidation of innocent residents by individuals claiming to be members of government task forces operating within the FCT.
According to the Council, one of its members witnessed an incident while travelling to the Congress in which men identifying themselves as task force operatives intercepted a vehicle, forced a sick passenger to alight and drove away with the vehicle.
The NUJ therefore called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and relevant security agencies to investigate the activities of such operatives, identify those legally authorised to carry out enforcement duties and prosecute anyone found impersonating government officials.
The Council also highlighted the security implications posed by the increasing number of street beggars and destitute persons in Abuja, recalling an incident in which one of its members was aggressively confronted while attempting to photograph a group of beggars near the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro.
According to the communiqué, the journalist was only able to leave the area safely after an official convoy approached the scene.
The Congress urged the FCT Minister and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the situation while ensuring that the rights and dignity of vulnerable persons are protected.
Reaffirming its commitment to public interest journalism, the NUJ FCT Council pledged to continue promoting press freedom and advocating policies that advance national security, environmental sustainability, good governance and the overall welfare of Nigerians.
“The Council pledged to sustain media advocacy on the plight of Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence.”
“The NUJ urged the FCT Minister and relevant security agencies to investigate the activities of such operatives, identify those legally authorised to carry out enforcement duties and prosecute anyone found impersonating government officials.”(Pan Afric Reporter)
