By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) has urged the state government to intervene in what is observed as an arbitrary increase of house rents by landlords or their agents in the state, giving the current economic realities in the country.
The Union made the call in a communique issued at the end of its monthly congress of October held at the Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo chaired by the state chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John.
This follows cries by tenants in the state, especially in Uyo, the state capital city where an average one room apartment goes for between N84,000 to N96,000 per annum, while a-one room self contained flat and two-room flat go for N250,000 and N350,000 or more per annum, depending on the location.
“Congress called on the state government and its agencies to take proactive measures against the activities of house agents and landlords who take pleasure in creating sharp increase in house rents across the state.
“Congress suggest to the state government to enact appropriate legislation, to curb the growing cost of accommodation,” the communique stated.
In another development, the Union has expressed worries over the rising cases of extortion by officials of Port Harcourt Electricity Distributing Company (PHeD) on electricity users in the state, urging government to investigate and put an end to it.
Congress examined the exorbitant monthly bills that consumers of the electricity are forced to pay without corresponding power supply as unprofessional conduct and exploration.
The Union was drawn to the general complaints by electricity consumers in the state, especially those on estimated billing system who are forced to pay for power they have not consumed.
It became more worrisome as consumers who can’t or delay to pay the exorbitant bill on or before 15th day of the billing month, will have their houses disconnected and their cables rolled away by the PHeD officials.
Accordingly, “Congress drew the attention of the state government to the rising cases of extortion by electricity workers in the state and condemned the unprofessional conduct of PHeD officials in their operations across Akwa Ibom. It urged the government to investigate and address these unethical practices to protect residents from further exploitation, the NUJ communique stated.
In the same vein, Congress urged relevant government agencies in the state to urgently inspect, repair, and ensure proper maintenance of all damaged potholes along roads in Uyo and across the state to safeguard motorists and pedestrians.
Congress also strongly condemned the activities of internet fraudsters and called on relevant authorities to see how to nip the rising trend in the bud.
Congress expressed concern over the deplorable condition of Nung Ukot Itam Community by the Atiku Abubakar Flyover, Aka Itiam Road, Calabar-Itu Road, and other affected areas, and urged the state government, through the relevant agencies, to take urgent steps to address the flood and security situation in the Area.
Congress congratulated members who recently earned their PhD degrees and wished them continued success in their academic and professional pursuits. It also congratulated members who announced their marriages and child dedications.
It commiserated with the family of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing his passing as a great loss to the christian community and the nation at large. It prayed for God’s divine comfort, strength, and grace upon his family, as well as the entire Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, to bear the irreparable loss.
Congress, while appreciating and congratulating the state government on its efforts in transforming the Akwa Ibom State College of Education to a University of Education, urged the state government to assess and enhance the quality of teaching at the University of Education, Afaha Nsit, to ensure the institution produces well-trained and competent teachers capable of strengthening the education system across the state.
Congress strongly condemned the practice of using textbooks as writing materials in schools, describing it as detrimental to sound learning standards. It urged the state Ministry of Education to intensify monitoring and ensure that all schools complied with the government’s education policies and standards.
The Union expressed appreciation to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, for the ongoing reforms in the health sector and prayed God’s protection upon him and family.
The communique was signed by Comrade Offong Okodio – Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Idorenyin Nkop-
Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Effanga Usen –
Member, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo,
state secretary and Comrade Nsibiet John, state chairman.
