The Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, held on June 3, 2026, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, deliberated extensively on matters affecting the state and the welfare of members. After exhaustive discussions, Congress resolved as follows:
1. Commendation of Urban Renewal Efforts
Congress commended the Cross River State Government for its ongoing urban renewal programme, particularly the rehabilitation of Azikiwe Street and Ewa Henshaw Street in Calabar South. Congress noted that the roads had remained in a deplorable condition for several years following prolonged neglect by previous administrations and expressed satisfaction with the government’s intervention aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the ease of movement for residents.
2. Appeal for Urgent Intervention on the Ikom–Wula–Obudu Highway
Congress appealed to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to fulfil his commitment regarding the Ikom–Wula–Obudu Highway by directing the appropriate authorities to commence immediate remedial work on the road. Congress observed that the deteriorating condition of the highway continues to endanger the lives of motorists and commuters while also impeding the transportation of agricultural produce and other economic activities along the corridor.
3. Need for Proactive Environmental Management
Congress called on the State Government, through the Ministry of Environment, to adopt more proactive measures in addressing environmental challenges across the state. Specifically, Congress urged the Ministry to ensure the prompt removal of fallen trees obstructing roads and to undertake a comprehensive assessment of ageing and weakened trees, particularly within the Calabar metropolis, with a view to removing and replacing those that pose threats to lives and property.
4. Enforcement of Ban on Scrap Metal Activities
Congress expressed concern over the continued violation of the government’s ban on scrap metal trading, popularly known as the “iron condemn” business, in some parts of the state. Congress therefore urged the relevant enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive, particularly in Satellite Town and other areas of Calabar where the illegal activities are reportedly still being carried out.
5. Concern Over Excesses of Transport Regulatory Agencies
Congress frowned at the flagrant violation of government policies by agencies operating within the transport sector, particularly the Cross River State Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) and the Calabar Traffic Regulatory Authority (CTRA).
Congress expressed concern that officials and agents of the agencies have allegedly continued to harass motorists and transport operators under the guise of revenue generation, contrary to the directive of the State Government that their primary responsibility should be traffic management, regulation, and the maintenance of order on the roads.
Congress recalled that the government had expressly directed the agencies to limit their operations to traffic control and related regulatory functions, rather than becoming channels for excessive revenue collection and leakages. Congress therefore called on the relevant authorities to investigate the activities of the agencies and ensure strict compliance with the Governor’s directive in the interest of transparency, accountability, and public confidence.
6. State of the Union Address
Congress received the State of the Union address presented by the Chairman of Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey.
The Chairman informed Congress that decent accommodation had been secured for Mr. Enyia Ndem of the Correspondents’ Chapel through the collaborative efforts of the Commissioner for Information, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the NUJ Cross River State Council, and the Correspondents’ Chapel.
She further informed Congress that the Council leadership had successfully leveraged the alternative energy facility installed at the Secretariat to ensure regular illumination of the premises, thereby improving the working environment for members.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to members for their continued cooperation, commitment, and support for the activities of the Council. She particularly thanked members for their consistent attendance at meetings despite their demanding professional schedules.
Communiqué Drafting Committee:
Comrade Sunny Nku — Chairman
Comrade Esin Ukorobi — Member
Comrade Itam Ekpe — Member
Dated this 3rd Day of June, 2026.
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