The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has lamented that the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has led to outrageous increase in cost of transportation and goods.
The union observed that the development has had a negative effect on civil servants in the state.
The Council therefore appealed to the Abia State Government to consider reducing the working days of civil servants, who, according to the journalists, spend a large portion of their salaries on transportation.
The call was made at NUJ State secretariat in Umuahia during the Council’s monthly congress.
In a seven-point communique signed by Victor Ndukwe (Chairman) and Ikechuckwu Onuegbu (Secretary), the Abia NUJ observed that reduction of working hours as done in some states, would cushion the effects of harsh economic situation on the civil servants.
The Congress which appreciated government for restoring free flow of traffic at Isi Gate Umuahia, called upon relevant authorities to strictly monitor the activities of some members of the taskforce who are allegedly extorting tricycle operators.
“That Congress which observed that retirees from the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) and a few other parastatals are yet to be paid their pension for almost one year even after been verified, and appealed Governor Alex Otti, to cause the immediate clearance of the said pensions arrears to enable the retirees to heave a sigh of relief in these austere time,” the communique said.
The journalists equally advised pensioners in the state, under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to speak with one voice and not as factions.
The Abia NUJ members also urged the state government to ensure the realization of its Modular Refinery project even as they charged the new Abia State Commissioner of Police, Isa Danladi, to sustain the improved security situation in the state.
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