The Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, has called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, resolve the crisis between it and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
This is just as the union urged the government to cushion the effect of high cost of food stuffs in the country.
The calls were made in a communique issued at the end of the congress of the Oyo State Council of the union, held on Wednesday at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
According to the communique signed by the chairman, Mr. Ademola Babalola, and Secretary, Mr. Sola Oladapo, respectively, there was need for the federal government to also address the effect of the epileptic power supply in the country.
In the same vein, members of the fourth estate of the realm further urged members of the union to be very careful in coverage of political parties’ activities as many politicians were becoming more desperate ahead of 2023.
The communique reads in part, “The ASUU strike is already taking a toll on the security of lives and property as more youths are becoming idle and thereby engaging in criminal activities that do not only threaten the peace of the society but also endangering their own future.
“Food insufficiency has resulted into unbearable hike in the prices of food items thereby exposing majority of the masses to hunger. The federal government should do the needful before the hungry begin to hunt the fed.
“As the country inches towards the 2023 general elections, politicians should endeavour to play the game by the rule. Most political office holders are already abandoning their primary responsibilities as they now focus on the next elections against their oath of office to serve until the end of their tenure.
“The rising cost of petroleum products, especially diesel is already crippling the economy and could aid public uproar if left to fetter the more.”
The council congratulated its National President, Chief Chris Isiguzo, and members of the National Executive Council, NEC, on the successful hosting of its meeting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, which went without hitch, despite security apprehension from all quarters.
It also appreciated the NUJ president for appointing one of its elders, Mr. Adebayo Akamo, as a National Trustee officer of the union.
