By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, has condemned the rising cases of illegal levies, and outrageous utility billing in the state and called on government at all levels to act swiftly to address the menace.

The Council made the disclosure in a strong-worded communique issued from an emergency congress held at the Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki and presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor.

According to the NUJ, the activities of the aggressive tactics employed state traffic taskforce have resulted in road accidents and loss of lives in the state and urged the state government to either retrain or disband the unit to prevent further tragic reoccurrences.

Similarly, the congress expressed deep worry over the conduct of revenue agents and taskforce members accused of harassing residents and businesses under unclear mandates, hence, called on the state government to harmonize revenue operations and weed out impostors who are tarnishing the good image of Governor Francis Nwifuru's administration in disguise of working for the government.

In another related resolution, the NUJ condemned what it described as outrageous electricity bills imposed on Ebonyi residents by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), particularly those using postpaid meters and appealed to the state government to establish its own Electricity Regulatory Commission to monitor EEDC?s activities and protect citizens from unwarranted exploitation.

The congress also highlighted alleged extortion by landlords in Ebonyi communities, where host community leaders reportedly impose multiple illegal levies on landowners and called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene and halt the abuse in the state.

While criticizing certain actions, the congress commended the state government for notable efforts, including the ongoing repair of damaged water pipes, traffic decongestion via the reopening of Udensi Roundabout, and the recent executive bill to regulate house rent.

The body urged the State Assembly to expedite the passage of the rent control bill.

The NUJ, however, advised total closure of the Vanco flyover site as to prevent accidents as heavy machinery continues working in the area.

The congress equally commended Mr. Nkemkanma Kama, Member representing OHANIVO Federal Constituency, for fulfilling his promise of installing a borehole at the NUJ Press Centre and described the gesture as timely and thoughtful.

Also, the Union congratulated Governor Nwifuru and lawmakers from Ebonyi State on their two years in office; urging deeper legislative engagement to tackle rising poverty in the state.

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