NUJ Kicks Against Exploitation By PHeD Officials In Akwa Ibom

By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Council of Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) has expressed worries over the rising cases of extortion by officials of Port Harcourt Electricity Distributing Company (PHeD) on electricity users in the state, urging government to investigate and put an end to it.

Stating through a communique issued at its monthly congress of October held at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, Congress examined the exorbitant monthly bills that consumers of the electricity are forced to pay without corresponding power supply as unprofessional conduct and exploitation.

This follows the general complaints by electricity consumers in the state, especially those on estimated billing system that they are forced to pay for power they have not consumed.

It became more worrisome as consumers who can’t or delay to pay the exorbitant bill on or before 15th day of the billing month, have their houses disconnected and their cables rolled away by PHeD officials.

Accordingly, “Congress called the attention of the State Government to the rising cases of extortion by electricity workers in the State and condemned the unprofessional conduct of PHED officials in their operations across Akwa Ibom. It urged the government to investigate and address these unethical practices to protect residents from further exploitation. “The NUJ communique stated.

Congress also called on the state government and its agencies to take proactive measures against the activities of House agents and Landlords who take pleasure in creating sharp increase in house rents across the State.

it urged the Government to enact appropriate legislation, to curb the growing cost of accommodation

In the same way, Congress urged relevant Government agencies in the State to urgently inspect, repair, and ensure proper maintenance of all damaged manholes along roads in Uyo and across the state to safeguard motorists and pedestrians.

Congress strongly condemned the activities of internet fraudsters and called on relevant authorities to see how to nip the rising trend in the bud.

Congress expressed concern over the deplorable condition of Nung Ukot Itam Community by the Atiku Abubakar Flyover, Aka Itiam Road, Calabar-Itu Road, and other affected areas, and urged the State Government, through the relevant agencies, to take urgent steps to address the flood and security situation in the Area.

Congress congratulated members who recently earned their Ph.D. degrees and wished them continued success in their academic and professional pursuits. It also congratulated members who announced their marriages and child dedications.

It commiserated with the family of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, describing his passing as a great loss to the Christian community and the nation at large. It prayed for God’s divine comfort, strength, and grace upon his family, as well as the entire Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, to bear this irreparable loss.

Congress while appreciating and congratulating the State Government on its efforts in transforming the Akwa Ibom State College of Education to a University of Education, urged the State Government to assess and enhance the quality of teaching at the University of Education, Afaha Nsit, to ensure the institution produces well-trained and competent teachers capable of strengthening the education system across the State.

Congress strongly condemned the practice of using textbooks as writing materials in schools, describing it as detrimental to sound learning standards. It urged the State Ministry of Education to intensify monitoring and ensure that all schools comply with the State Government’s education policies and standards.

The Union expressed appreciation to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, for the ongoing reforms in the Health Sector and prayed God’s protection upon him and family.

The communique was signed by Comrade Offong Okodio –
Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Idorenyin Nkop- Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Effanga Usen –
Member, Communique Drafting Committee; Comrade Nsikak Esenowo- State Secretary and Comrade Nsibiet John – State Chairman