…Laments eight-month blackout in Big Qua Town
By Kelvin Obambon
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has strongly condemned the persistent and worsening electricity situation across the state, specifically highlighting a devastating eight-month blackout in Big Qua community of Calabar.
In a communiqué issued following its Congress held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, the union expressed deep concern over the inefficiency of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).
The Congress noted that the “apparent inefficiency and lack of responsiveness” of the DISCO has led to prolonged outages spanning several weeks, which have “crippled businesses, disrupted livelihoods, and exposed residents to severe economic hardship.”
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The communiqué also highlighted the dire situation in Big Qua Town. According to the Union, residents of the community have been left in total darkness for over eight months, despite allegedly being forced to pay various levies for repairs.
“Congress received disturbing reports from residents of Big Qua Town who lamented that their community has remained without electricity for over eight months despite repeated financial contributions and levies allegedly demanded for the restoration of power,” the communiqué read.
Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” the fourth estate of the realm urged PHED to intervene immediately and restore power to the affected community without further delay.
Beyond the power crisis, the NUJ also waded into the ongoing friction between transport operators and the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA). It lamented that despite a directive from the State Governor restricting the agency to traffic enforcement, TRAMRA continues to harass and intimidate bus and tricycle operators.
The union called for strict enforcement of the Governor’s directive, noting that the continued extortion by TRAMRA personnel contradicts government policies aimed at curbing multiple taxation.
The Union concluded by reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism and the general welfare of the residents of Cross River State.
