BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has passed a vote of confidence on its State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, and members of the State Working Committee (SWC) for what Congress described as remarkable achievements recorded within less than one year in office.
The resolution formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the Congress of the Union held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.
In the communiqué signed by members of the Drafting Committee and the State leadership of the Union, Congress commended the leadership style of the Chairman and pledged continued support for the administration.
Congress also approved the establishment of a “Wall of Fame” project aimed at preserving the history, legacies and contributions of past leaders of the Union in Akwa Ibom State.
On issues affecting media operations, Congress expressed concerns over the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy as it affects some agencies and parastatals. The Union called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to exempt state-owned media organisations, including Pioneer Newspapers and Akwa Ibom State Broadcasting Corporation, from the policy.
According to Congress, the TSA framework has created operational bottlenecks that are alien to media practice and could hinder efficient service delivery in government-owned media establishments.
The Union further applauded the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health under the leadership of Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John for the successes recorded in the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.
Congress equally commended the State Vice Chairman of the Union, Comrade Margaret Moore, for her frontline role in public enlightenment, liaison and public relations efforts that contributed to the success of the health insurance scheme.
The Union also praised the planned distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets to households across the state as part of efforts to improve public health outcomes.
On infrastructure development, Congress commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for partnering with the World Bank in initiating the construction of the Nung Ukod Itam–Ekid Itam II Road project.
The Union further expressed appreciation to the government for responding to its earlier appeal to reconstruct the road linking Itam Market to the Itu Local Government Council Secretariat, which Congress described as a death trap for motorists and commuters before government intervention.
As political activities continue to gather momentum across the state ahead of future elections, Congress called on political actors and stakeholders to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and avoid inflammatory actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of Akwa Ibom State.
The Union also urged journalists to remain professional, objective and ethical in the discharge of their duties.
Congress received the interim report of the Adhoc Committee established to checkmate the proliferation of splinter media groups and cautioned organisations, institutions and members of the public against engaging with such groups, insisting that the NUJ remains the authentic body for the regulation of media-related activities in the state.
In another development, Congress lauded Comrade Charles Bassey for establishing the first Internet radio service in Akwa Ibom State known as CBS Internet Radio, with full transmission scheduled to commence on May 29, 2026.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Grace Anderson, Comrade Anyiaña Umanah, Comrade Imaobong Uko, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo and Comrade Nsibiet John.
