Rivers NUJ raises alarm over education, healthcare, political tensions at state congress

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The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of public education, primary healthcare, and rising political tensions in the state, urging the government to take urgent and decisive action.

These concerns formed the crux of deliberations at the NUJ State Congress held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center in Port Harcourt.

The congress, presided over by the State Chairman of the NUJ, Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, also marked the first anniversary of his administration. It brought together practicing journalists across the state, including veteran media professionals, to review critical issues affecting Rivers State.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the union highlighted the deplorable condition of primary and secondary schools across the state, noting that many are either dilapidated or have been vandalized by hoodlums. The congress urged both the state and local governments to ensure that the earlier declared state of emergency in the education sector translates into visible and measurable action.

The NUJ further called for the immediate renovation of affected schools and the recruitment of qualified teachers, stressing the need for equitable deployment, particularly to rural communities where there is an acute shortage of teaching staff.

On healthcare, the congress emphasized the need for the government to intensify efforts in reviving primary healthcare centres across the state to improve access to basic medical services. It also urged the government to prioritize state-owned media organizations through refurbishment and recruitment of personnel to enhance effective information dissemination.

The union advised the government to take advantage of Nigeria’s amended electricity law by investing in power generation, noting that improved electricity supply would stimulate economic growth and attract investment into the state.

While commending the Rivers State House of Assembly for the live broadcast of the screening of commissioner nominees, the congress expressed dissatisfaction over the disqualification of some nominees based on opinions they had previously expressed in the media. The NUJ described the action as a violation of freedom of expression and called on the Assembly to recall suspended members in the spirit of reconciliation.

The congress also raised concerns over the increasing incidence of land grabbing in the state, warning that the trend poses a threat to economic stability and tarnishes the image of Rivers State. It urged the government to take decisive steps to curb the menace.

In addition, the union called for urgent action to address the persistent issue of touting on commercial vehicles along major roads in Port Harcourt and its environs, describing it as a nuisance that undermines public order and the state’s reputation.

The NUJ further condemned recent political violence, particularly the burning of a political party building in Ubima, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and called for a level playing field for all political actors as the electioneering period approaches.

The communiqué was signed by the NUJ Rivers State Council Chairman, Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and the Secretary, Ijeoma Tubosia. It was drafted by a committee chaired by Justice Ihunwo, with Joy Grant-Amadi serving as secretary and Chukwudi Ejimofor as a member.