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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has urged politicians and other political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election.
The union warned that campaigns built on calumny, character assassination, and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the state.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress held last Thursday, at the Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki. At the congress, presided over by the Council Chairman, Comrade Nwafor Samson, the union implored politicians to strictly comply with electoral guidelines and focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, and ideas rather than personal attacks capable of heating up the polity.
“Congress urged political actors to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of threatening the peace of the state,” the communiqué read.
On agriculture, the union expressed concern over the persistent delay in the distribution of government farm inputs to farmers across the state. It appealed to the government to ensure timely distribution while putting in place effective measures to guarantee that only genuine farmers benefit from the programme.
The journalists noted that prompt distribution of farm inputs would encourage more people to engage in farming, increase food production and strengthen food security. “Effective mechanisms should be put in place to ensure only genuine farmers benefit from the distribution of farm inputs,” the communiqué added.
The congress also expressed concern over the approaching peak of the rainy season and advised residents of flood-prone communities to strictly comply with safety advisories issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and other relevant authorities. It further urged residents to desist from blocking drainage channels and waterways to minimise the risk of flooding.
The NUJ commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what it described as remarkable investments in education and human capital development, particularly the sponsorship of hundreds of Ebonyi indigenes on local and overseas scholarships up to doctoral level. The union encouraged the governor to sustain the programmes aimed at improving the welfare and future of the people.
The congress equally appealed to Governor Nwifuru to allocate an alternative parcel of land to the union, following the revocation of allocations at the EBSU Pocket Layout, which affected the three hectares earlier acquired by the NUJ for a proposed journalists’ housing estate. “The land was purchased with contributions from members, and government intervention is needed to enable the union to realise its housing project,” the communiqué stated.
The journalists reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, responsible journalism, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached at the congress would contribute to a peaceful political climate, improved agricultural productivity, and the welfare of journalists and residents alike.
