Following the resurgence of attacks on farmers in some local government areas, the Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has charged the state government and security agencies to take proactive action to curtail the attacks and killings.
The union also called on the state government to crack down on diverters of palliatives provided to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal as a result of complaints from some members of the public.
The call was contained in a communique issued by NUJ after its congress meeting held on Saturday in Maiduguri.
The communique signed by the chairman of the communique drafting committee, Mr Francis Okoye, urged the state government to ensure judicious distribution of the palliatives to all deserving citizens.
It emphasised the importance of regular congresses by the chapels and warned that errant chapels or members of the union found defaulting in this regard would be sanctioned.
The communique recalled that the state government, led by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, approved approximately N50 million to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for research into the prevalent kidney disease in the state, but expressed concern that the research report has not yet been released and called for its prompt publication in the public interest.
“The communique commended the Borno State government for constructing additional mega schools and recruiting teachers. However, it urged the government to take decisive action to enroll the large number of out-of-school children seen on the streets.
“The communique commended the Borno State government for implementing transport subsidies, which have helped citizens, civil servants, and the business community cope with the increased transportation costs due to fuel subsidy removal and pump price hikes.
“The communique also urged the government to establish bus stops for the transport buses to prevent conflicts with commercial tricycle operators.
“The communique also lauded the government for distributing palliatives to citizens to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. However, it urged the government to monitor the distribution to prevent diversion by individuals and to ensure that the aid reaches citizens who have not yet benefited.
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