Journalists under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, have raised concerns over the state’s emergency response system and deteriorating road infrastructure.
The union warned that the poor emergency response system and the worsening roads put people’s lives at risk and could also cause damage to vehicles, homes, and other property across the state.
According to the journalists, delayed or inadequate emergency services, combined with pothole-ridden and poorly maintained roads, could exacerbate accidents, hinder rescue operations, and increase the risk of fatalities during emergencies..
The concerns were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ Congress held yesterday at the Ernest Etim Press Centre, Calabar, and presided over by the Council Chairman, Archibong Baseey.
On emergency response, the journalists expressed “deep concern over the non-availability and dysfunction of the State Fire Service equipment, which has hindered prompt response to emergencies.”
They cited recent fire outbreaks on Goldie Street, Calabar, and other parts of the state, noting that “property worth millions of naira were destroyed before the fire service could respond.”
The union appealed for stronger inter-agency collaboration during emergencies and called on the state government “to overhaul the fire service system to ensure efficiency and readiness.”
On road infrastructure, Congress decried the deplorable condition of the Ikom–Calabar and Odukpani–Uyo federal highways, saying the situation has “jeopardised the movement of goods and people.”
It raised the alarm over “frequent accidents on these routes” and urged the Cross River and Akwa Ibom State governments to intervene with remedial works “to prevent further accidents, loss of lives and property damage.”
The journalists also expressed concern over the gradual return of motorcycles within Calabar metropolis despite an existing ban, calling for strict enforcement.
According to the communiqué, the ban should be enforced “to prevent injuries and fatalities,” noting that power bikes and commercial motorcycles are “sometimes reportedly used in criminal activities.”
The union urged the Federal Road Safety Corps and other regulatory authorities to regulate their use, while calling on security agencies “to monitor and control the operations of these bikes within the city.”
On environmental safety, Congress observed that “several trees in Calabar and other major towns have overgrown, become hazardous, and threaten both lives and vehicular movement.”
It stressed the need for “periodic trimming and maintenance of such trees to prevent road blockages and accidents.”
The journalists further called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to effectively monitor the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, condemning a situation where “electricity is disconnected yet prepaid meter units continue to run.”
They described the development as “a matter of public concern that requires urgent attention.”
Congress also raised safety concerns over a high-rise building being erected beside the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar, noting that “falling debris from the site has already damaged part of the Council’s property.”
It disclosed that engagements with government officials showed that the developer “has not met necessary regulatory requirements” and urged the property owner “to comply with safety regulations in order to reduce the several risks which individual Council members and the Secretariat have been exposed to.”
