NUJ to Soludo: Stop clamping down on newspaper vendors

Maduako Igbokwe I Thursday, March 21, 2024

In a communique issued at  the end of March Congress held in Awka, jointly signed by the chairman and the secretary of the  Council Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu

Comrade Aloysius Ofodile respectively, the council condemned the action of the government shutting newspapers vendors in the state.

Anambra State government had on February chased all the newspapers vendors in Awka and seized hundreds newspapers publications in Awka, Anambra State capital.The government also urged newspapers vendors to  relocate their business to shops.

According to statement, Congress condemned the state government’s decision to close down newspaper stands at Arroma junction and other strategic places. The congress , reminded the governor that even in London and other developed cities, newspapers are sold at places visible to the people.

The Congress also  urged the Government to rescind the decision and liaise with the Newspapers Distributors and Vendors Association, Anambra State Chapter to find the best possible ways to have the Newspapers back on the stands for public consumption.

The Congress asked the state government led by  Soludo to have a rethink on the closure of the National Light Newspapers by re-establishing a brand new print  media organization with minimal staff engagement that shall serve the state needs in the print media section as well as help upcoming journalists to horn their trade.

The Congress also commended the state government on the successful completion of the Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbene-Ugbenu-Awba-Ofemmili road in Awka North Local Government Area among other numerous strategic roads across the state in his two years in the office.

The congress also appealed to the government to pay adequate attention to ensure the completion of other roads awarded for construction in other parts of the state before the rains return fully.

 Congress  called on citizens to shun all acts capable of destroying the roads like burning of tyres on the roads and blocking of drainages. It also lauded the return of public water supply as test run is ongoing.