Borno NUJ Raises Concern Over increasing Number of GBV Cases, Urges Govt to Curb The Menace
By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno state council has raised serious concerns on the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV,) in the state and called on the security agencies and government to do something to stop it.
The Borno NUJ in a 10 point Communique Issued At The End Of Congress Meeting Held at the NUJ Press Centre, Maiduguri during the weekend expressed worry over 700 cases of sexual violations recorded between January and December 2022.
The NUJ also raised concerns about the issue of out-of-school children which have been on the rise; and called on relevant stakeholders to take necessary measures against the worsening situation.
The Congress called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify awareness campaign on the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to enable those at the grassroot levels to collect their PVCs.
While commending the Borno State government for declaring a public holiday for the residents to register for their PVC; also urged the state government to replicate the same gesture by declaring another public holiday for residents to enable newly registered citizens to collect their PVC.
The NUJ during the Maiden congress meeting of the new chairman, Mr. Dauda Iliya-led Executive Council, which held at the NUJ Press Center, Maiduguri, during the weekend with 98 members of the Union in attendance, the Chairman, Comrade Dauda Iliya urged all Chapel Leadership to adhere strictly to the constitutional procedure of registering new members into the Union, even as he reiterated the Union’s zero tolerance to non-payment of Check off dues.
The Congress unanimously agreed on a new by-law that makes it compulsory for members of the council to attend and participate in meetings and functions of the Union, and equally prescribed measures of punishing those who persistently default or absent themselves without reasonable excuses.
The .Congress also called on all members of the Union to conduct themselves professionally during the coming general election and to avoid any form of conducts that will bring disrepute to the Union and the journalism profession.
The NUJ also urge private school owners to check incessant increases in school fees.
The congress while commending the military’s onslaught against Non-state Actors urged the government to speed up the restoration of civic authority in Guzamala and liberate surrounding communities of northern Borno..
The also called on members of the Union to pay attention to the impact of climate change and continue to do reports on the issue to draw the attention of the government and global community to the problem.
