The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council under the leadership of Comrade Paul Bazia has called for greater accountability in the management of public funds at the local government level, stressing the need for increased investment in basic infrastructure and services that would improve the lives of residents.

The Union made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 10th Congress held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt, where it reviewed issues affecting journalists, governance, security and the socio-economic development of Rivers State.

Congress noted the increasing allocations accruing to local governments from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, and stressed the need for proper management and deployment of the funds to critical development sectors.

It urged local government authorities to regularly disclose information on revenues received and expenditures undertaken, particularly in areas such as roads, primary healthcare, education, sanitation, water supply and other basic services.

On waste management,  NUJ expressed concern over the worsening environmental sanitation situation in parts of Rivers State, attributing the challenge to indiscriminate disposal of refuse and inadequate modern waste collection and management systems.

The Congress therefore called on the Rivers State Government and local government authorities to establish an effective, accountable and accessible waste-management system, including regular waste collection, designated disposal points and stronger enforcement of environmental sanitation regulations.

It also urged residents to take responsibility for proper waste disposal and desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorised locations, noting that such practices could worsen environmental and public health challenges.

On public order, Congress expressed serious concern over the increasing activities of cultists and touts around bus stops, transport corridors and markets in Port Harcourt, warning that such activities could encourage extortion and intimidation of citizens and negatively affect the economic environment.

The Union therefore called on the State Government, local government authorities and security agencies to take decisive and lawful action against cultism and touting, while ensuring that enforcement operations respect the rights and dignity of citizens.

On education, Congress urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to reconsider the suspension of funding for the Rivers State Medical Scholarship Programme with PAMO University, stressing that students already benefiting from approved scholarship arrangements should not be unnecessarily disadvantaged.

The Congress also expressed concern over police extortion and brutality in the state, particularly the killing of a UNIPORT graduate along Agip Road, Port Harcourt, and called for the prosecution of officers found culpable, insisting that dismissal from service should not replace criminal justice.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the NUJ urged political actors and parties to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act, while charging journalists to maintain accuracy, neutrality, balance and professionalism and avoid unverified information, hate speech and reports capable of escalating political tensions.

The Union, while reaffirming its commitment to accountability, good governance, human rights, peace and professional journalism, also offered its platform to the Rivers State Police Command for regular briefings on security developments and other matters of public interest.