By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has ruled that henceforth, only financially up to date members will benefit from the union and the upcoming Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award.
The resolution was outlined in a communiqué released by the Communique Drafting Committee (CDC) led Comrade Ekong Okpa as Chairman; Comrade Julia, Secretary; and Comrade Affiong Ndem, Member; after the Council’s congress, which took place on August 27, 2025, under the leadership of the Council Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey.
Congress resolved that only members who have cleared their check-off dues, practising fees, and any arrears would benefit from NUJ’s financial entitlements.
“Congress agreed that evidence of payment of practising fees must be provided by all who have submitted entries for the Best Investigative Journalist Award,” the communiqué read.
To address the rising incidence of unauthorized media gatherings, the Congress also set up a committee to investigate illegal media conferences within the state.
On political issues, the NUJ called for restraint in the operations of the local government system. It urged council chairmen, particularly those in the Cross River Northern Senatorial District, to work harmoniously with councillors. According to Congress, frequent impeachment threats do not portray the state in a positive light.
The NUJ also called on security agencies to adopt a more proactive approach in protecting lives and property.
The union equally commended Governor Bassey Otu for what it described as “developmental strides,” particularly the concrete works on Inyang Edem Street.
It appealed to the governor to extend similar road and drainage projects to other parts of the state to ensure long-lasting infrastructure.
The Congress expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of Traffic and Motor Authority (TRAMA) agents in the state, describing their conduct as unruly.
It called on the government to urgently check the excesses of the agents to prevent further harassment of residents.
The NUJ Congress resolved with a call for renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, and unity among journalists in Cross River State.
