By Kelvin Obambon
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has again raised an alarm over the deteriorating state of public infrastructure and safety in the state, specifically decrying the persistent power outages that have plunged parts of the Calabar metropolis and other major towns into prolonged darkness.
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its monthly Congress held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, the Union called on the state government to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of residents.
The Congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, expressed deep concern over the failure of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to maintain stable power. The Union appealed to the state government to intervene by facilitating the provision of additional transformers to affected communities.
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“Access to electricity is critical to economic and social wellbeing,” the communiqué stated, noting that the current situation has crippled small businesses and diminished the quality of life for citizens.
Beyond power, the NUJ voiced strong opposition to the “indiscriminate siting” of gas retail outlets within residential neighborhoods. Referencing a recent fire outbreak in the Edibe-Edibe area that resulted in hospitalizations and millions of Naira in property damage, the Union described the trend as a “preventable” danger.
“The Congress calls on government agencies to clamp down on illegal and substandard gas outlets operating in the state and enforce full compliance with safety guidelines,” the communiqué read.
The journalists also observed a worrying resurgence of commercial motorcycles (Okada) on major streets of Calabar metropolis. The Congress noted that their unregulated operations pose a “serious threat to traffic order and public safety,” calling for strict enforcement of existing bans and route designations.
As the rainy season intensifies, the NUJ warned of recurring flooding caused by blocked drainages. It tasked the Ministry of Environment with the urgent desilting of channels and the rehabilitation of deteriorated roads to ensure effective water flow.
Furthermore, the Union condemned the activities of scavengers and “iron-condemned” buyers. The Congress linked these operators to a spike in the theft of metal objects from private homes and the vandalism of public infrastructure.
“We call for full enforcement of the ban on such activities, as well as sustained monitoring and appropriate sanctions for offenders,” the statement added.
The NUJ reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the government to ensure “good governance, public safety, and sustainable development” for all residents of the state.
