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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has called for the prosecution of police officers implicated in the killing of a University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) graduate, while urging governments at all levels to address flooding, waste management, public security and ensure transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union's 10th Congress held on Thursday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre in Port Harcourt.
On security, the Congress condemned what it described as the rising cases of police extortion and brutality in the state, expressing concern over the killing of the UNIPORT graduate along Agip Road.
While acknowledging reports that the officers allegedly involved had been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, the union insisted that dismissal should not replace criminal prosecution where evidence establishes culpability.
The NUJ also offered its platform to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to regularly brief residents on security developments and other issues of public interest.
The Congress further appealed to the Rivers State House of Assembly to reconsider the suspension of funding for the Rivers State Medical Scholarship Programme at PAMO University, warning that the decision could adversely affect students and medical education in the state.
It urged the Assembly to clarify the status of scholarship programmes and ensure that beneficiaries in PAMO University and other institutions are not disadvantaged.
On flooding, the union called on the Rivers State Government to urgently rehabilitate drainage systems and prioritise flood-control infrastructure in the implementation of the 2026 budget, citing recent flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The Congress also decried poor environmental sanitation across parts of the state, urging the government and local councils to establish efficient waste collection and disposal systems while calling on residents to stop dumping refuse in drains and other unauthorised locations.
On local government administration, the NUJ urged council authorities to ensure prudent management of increased Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds by regularly publishing details of revenues and expenditure, particularly on roads, healthcare, education, sanitation and water projects.
The union also expressed concern over the growing activities of cultists and touts around bus stops, transport corridors and markets in Port Harcourt, calling on security agencies and government authorities to take lawful action to restore public order while respecting citizens' rights.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Congress urged politicians and political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the Electoral Act, warning against hate speech, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial, transparent and professional in conducting the elections.
The NUJ reminded journalists of their responsibility to uphold professionalism, fairness, accuracy and neutrality in reporting political activities, expressing concern over what it described as the open alignment of some journalists with political parties.
The union cautioned media practitioners against publishing unverified reports or content capable of inciting violence and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, good governance, peace, human rights and responsible journalism in Rivers State.
