The Nigerian Union of Journalists Cross River State Council has called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently address pressing issues affecting public safety, infrastructure, and governance across the state.
The call formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Union’s Congress held on Wednesday April 29, 2026, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar. The Congress, presided over by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, highlighted growing concerns over developments that pose risks to residents and hinder the state’s progress.
Top on the agenda was the resurgence of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada, on major streets within the Calabar metropolis. The Congress observed that their increasing and largely unregulated activities are disrupting traffic order and endangering public safety. It urged authorities to enforce existing regulations and ensure strict compliance with approved routes.
The Union also raised alarm over the indiscriminate siting of gas retail outlets within residential areas, describing the trend as hazardous. It warned that such practices expose residents to preventable dangers and called for strict adherence to safety standards and proper urban planning regulations.
Referencing a recent fire incident linked to a gas facility in the Edibe area of Calabar, which reportedly led to injuries and destruction of property worth millions of naira, the Congress described the situation as both unfortunate and avoidable. It called on relevant agencies to shut down illegal and substandard gas outlets and enforce full compliance with established safety guidelines.
On electricity supply, the Congress decried persistent power outages affecting parts of Calabar and other major towns in the state. It appealed to the government to intervene by facilitating the provision of additional transformers to enable the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company to improve power supply, noting that stable electricity remains vital for economic and social activities.
Environmental concerns also featured prominently, with the Congress expressing worry over recurring flooding in parts of the state. It called on the Ministry of Environment and other agencies to intensify efforts in clearing blocked drainage systems and rehabilitating damaged roads to ensure free flow of water, especially as the rainy season approaches.
The Union further condemned the activities of scavengers and dealers in iron condemned materials, linking their operations to theft, vandalism, and the destruction of both private and public infrastructure. It called for strict enforcement of the ban on such activities, along with sustained monitoring and sanctions against offenders.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government and stakeholders in promoting good governance, public safety, and sustainable development in Cross River State.
The communiqué was signed by members of the drafting committee led by Comrade Eyo Charles as Chairman, with Comrade Ekong Okpa as member and Comrade Ita Williams as Secretary.
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