… Votes of Confidence on Kano Gov, nat’l leadership
… Hails Gombe, Akwa Ibom Governors for pro-media gestures
KANO — The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has delivered a scathing assessment of governance across Nigeria, condemning the Federal and State Governments over worsening insecurity, crumbling road infrastructure, and creeping censorship of the media.
At its meeting held on August 12, 2025 in Kano, presided over by NUJ National President, Comrade Alhasan Yahya, the Council reviewed national security, infrastructure decay, media freedom, and the welfare of journalists.
In a communiqué jointly signed by National Secretary, Achike Chude, and members of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Zare Baba, Vice President Zone E and Chairman of the Committee; Mahmood Olayinka Alaya, Secretary Kwara Council; Umar Sa’idu, Chairman Bauchi Council; Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, Chairman Benue Council; and Aisha Ahmed, Secretary Jigawa Council, NEC lamented the increasing toll of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and violent crimes, particularly in Benue, Zamfara, and Plateau states.
It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to “intensify coordinated efforts to restore peace and protect citizens from further lawlessness.”
On infrastructure, the Council described many federal and state roads, notably in Delta, Bauchi, Gombe to Taraba, Benue, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi as “death traps” causing economic disruption and needless loss of lives. It called for urgent rehabilitation and strict quality control on ongoing projects.
NEC expressed displeasure at what it called “unprofessional conduct” by some Chief Press Secretaries to governors, accusing them of obstructing NUJ council leaders from engaging with state executives.
“The role of a CPS is to build bridges between the media and government, not to erect barriers,” the communiqué stated.
The Union passed a unanimous vote of confidence on Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his open-door policy, support for press freedom, and inclusive governance, urging other state leaders to emulate him. It also commended Gombe State Governor and Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for facilitating payment of outstanding entitlements to former staff of the defunct New Nigeria Newspapers, and Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for donating brand-new SUVs to the 11 members of the NUJ State Working Committee in the state.
A vote of confidence was also passed on the NUJ national leadership under Comrade Yahya for what NEC described as “visionary leadership” and consistent pursuit of members’ welfare nationwide.
On media welfare, the Council called for immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage across media organisations, alongside provision of welfare packages for journalists.
It warned state governments to desist from unnecessary censorship and interference in editorial independence.
Addressing environmental concerns, NEC urged proactive measures to prevent flood disasters, including strengthening early warning systems, clearing drainage channels, enforcing environmental laws, and relocating residents in flood-prone areas before disasters occur.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, democracy, and professional ethics, the NUJ called on all tiers of government to partner with the media in advancing transparency, accountability, and national development.
