By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Wednesday, decried the resurgence of touts in different forms, harassing and extorting citizens and visitors for different levies within Anambra.

The Chairman of NUJ Anambra State Chapter, Dr Emeka Odogwu, made the lamentation while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on how these illegal revenue collectors dehumanise residents and visitors in the state.

Odogwu noted that there was a need for a digitised revenue collection methodology or refined approach to avoid painting the government bad.

He appreciated security agencies for their efforts in addressing the touting menace and other security challenges in the state, adding there was the need to deploy non-uniformed officers to monitor the activities hoodlums to curb criminal activities associated with them.

According to him, however, “I frown at the resurgence of cult-related killings in some cities in the state and call on the commissioner of police and state director of DSS to rise to the occasion.

“We are commending the state government’s efforts in enhancing the aesthetics of the state by demolishing shanties and similar structures, but we appeal to the government to carry out these demolitions with a human face.

“This can be done by ensuring that the goods and property of the occupants are not destroyed recklessly or punitively in the process as well as providing an alternative for the displaced traders,” he said.

The chairman noted that one of the primary duties of journalists as members of the “4^th estate of the realm” was to continue to advocate for the downtrodden in the society for a better society.

“The role of journalists as moral barometers and conscience of the society should never be compromised or traded not minding whose ox is gored. The watchdog roles must go on unhindered.

“On this premise, I am raising an alarm on the dilapidated state of Basden Memorial Special School in Isulo, Orumba North local government area (LGA) and calling on government and public-spirited individuals to assist the school bounce back.

“As a body, we passionately appeal to Anambra Governor’s Wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, and other well-meaning individuals to support special schools in the state, particularly the Basden Memorial Special School, Isulo,” he added. (NAN)

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