By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kaduna State Council has advocated proactive measures by the Nasiru El-Rufai administration in addressing the rising spate of insecurity in the state.

The council said in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress on Wednesday, signed by the drafting committee Chairman, Comrade Peter Nosakhare, that adequate measures should be put in place to address insecurity and other forms of criminality in the state.

On SARS, the Congress urged government to take the #EndSARS protest serious so that it does not degenerate into total chaos.

The Congress was presided over by Council Chairman, Comrade Adamu Yusuf, and attended by members from various Chapels in the state.

The Congress deliberated on a number of issues affecting the union, the state and resolved as follows:

“Congress through the Vice President North-West – Yusuf Idris and Council Chairman – AdamuYusuf congratulated Mr. Midat Joseph on his appointment as Assistant National Secretary of the NUJ.

“The newly appointed Asst. National Secretary was advised by the Congress to take his new assignment serious and avoid politics of NUJ.

“The Council chairman announced suspension of 2020 Press Week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said it has been re-scheduled for 2021.

“On the issue of biometrics, Congress agreed to one a month grace for members to register. The one month grace will pave the way for National officers to come for the capturing of members.

“The Executive Council of the Union urged journalists in the state to always observe all Covid-19 protocols: such as regular use of facemasks, hand washing/use of sanitizers, observing physical distancing in order to be safe from the virus.

State of the State

“On the issue of insecurity, Congress commended Kaduna State Government on efforts so far put in place to curb the situation but advocated proactive measures were needed to deal with the rising spate of insecurity.

“Congress specifically called on relevant authorities to secure release of the Kaura Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Bege Katuka who was recently kidnapped in the State.

“Congress urged government to take the #EndSARS protest serious so that it does not degenerate into total chaos.

“Congress lauded government for rehabilitating roads in the state but however, noted that greater percentage of roads need attention.

“Congress advised government to caution some employees of departments and agencies who operate outside rules of engagement.

“Congress condoled the government and people of the state as well as Zazzau Emirate Council over the death of the former Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris, and congratulated the new Emir Alhaji AhmedNuhu Bamali.”