The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has urged relevant government authorities to immediately curb the unchecked movement of cattle across the state capital, Umuahia, citing the unsanitary conditions caused by animal dung littering public spaces.
The call was made during the union’s monthly Congress held at the NUJ State Secretariat in Umuahia. In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by Abia State Chairman Chidi Asonye and Secretary Ikechukwu Onuegbu, the NUJ expressed deep concern over the ongoing issue.
“The NUJ… expressed worry that animal dung was messing up some parts of the Umuahia,” the communique stated, highlighting the environmental and public health implications of free-roaming cattle in an urban setting.
The union’s plea comes against a backdrop of prior state government efforts to restrict cattle movement in parts of Umuahia, though enforcement challenges appear to persist.
Beyond the cattle issue, the Abia NUJ commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for beginning the payment of arrears of Leave Allowances to civil servants, noting that “it would encourage the workers to discharge their duties better.”
However, the council reminded the governor of his 2025 promise to settle outstanding entitlements for next-of-kin of deceased Abia workers, urging swift fulfillment.
The NUJ also charged journalists in the state to uphold their professional integrity: “The Abia NUJ urged journalists in the State to shun praise-singing of those in positions of trust but to hold them accountable, in line with the constitutional roles of journalists.”
Additionally, the council raised alarm over the low voter registration figures recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling on government officials, religious leaders, and community figures to mobilize eligible citizens for registration ahead of future elections.
The communique reflects the NUJ’s broader engagement with governance, public welfare, and civic responsibilities in Abia State.
