The Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Sokoto State council has called on the state government to as a matter of stop some businessmen who allegedly buy the subsidised rice provided by the state government.
This was part of the resolutions reached during the emergency congress of the union held at its secretariat on Saturday.
According to the communique issued and signed by the chairman and the secretary of the council, Dalhattu Abdullahi Safiyal Maigori and Muhammad Nasir respectfully, “the Union commended the Sokoto State Government for providing rice to citizens at a highly subsidised rate.”
However, it recommended measures to improve the process, including, ensuring uniform sales dates, designating clear sales points and also strengthening monitoring mechanisms for the exercise.
He said, “Unscrupulous businessmen are warned against manipulating the distribution process through proxy purchases, which disadvantage citizens.”
The union also called on the state government to expedite actions on the implementation of the new minimum wage for the state workers to alleviate the the harsh economic realities being faced by citizens.
“The state government is urged to intensify support for the recently inaugurated Sokoto Community Guards Corps, particularly in addressing the threat posed by the emerging LAKURAWA terror group, while creating efficient channels for intelligence gathering on banditry and other criminal activities.
“The union raised concerns about potential food security challenges and appealed to the state government to, prevent food diversion from the state and to stockpile reserves in silos and warehouses to mitigate the anticipated shortages.”
In light of the harmattan season and the increased risk of fire outbreaks, the Union appealed to the state government to provide more sophisticated fire fighting equipment as well as increase personnel in the fire service.
Meanwhile as part of measure to promote unity among its members, the congress urged members to approach the forthcoming state NUJ election stated for December 21,2024, with maturity, decorum, and sportsmanship to serve as a model for public conduct.
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