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By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The Sokoto state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on the state government to promptly strengthen monitoring mechanisms and measures to ensure smooth and beneficial distribution and sales of the subsidized rice commodity to the public in the state.
The union in a communique issued at the end of its emergency congress held at the weekend, also urged the state government to intensity support to the state community guards corps inorder to fast track responsive strategy against emerging security threat in parts of the state by the LAKURAWA’ terror group.
Accordingly , the meeting sought the state government to expedite process for the implementation of the New Minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
” It is observed that most states had adopted it even some above the N70,000. If implemented , will not only benefit workers but also alleviate the harsh economic realities faced by citizens”, the communique pointed out.
The communique jointly signed by the Chairman, Dalhatu Abdullahi Safiyel Magori and Secretary , Muhammad Nasir Bello stressed the urgent need for the state government to fix uniform date and designated points for the sales of the rice commodity to the public.
It said taking these measures would check excesses of businessmen abusing the well intended initiative towards alleviating the economic hardship fast affecting citizens in the state.
The union observed with concerns how some business were manipulating the distribution and sales process through proxy purchases, at the disadvantage of citizens.
Hitherto, the union raised concerns about potential food security challenges appealing against possible food diversion from the state as well urging the state government to stockpile reserves in silos and warehouses to mitigate the anticipated shortages.
However, on the possible dangers in the coming harmattan season inorder to avert recurring fire incidences, the congress sought for more sophisticated firefighting equipment and additional personnel in the state fire service.
On the coming election of the state council, the union urged members to approach the exercise with maturity, decorum, and sportsmanship to serve as a model for public conduct.
While adopting the composition of the 7 member credential committee and a three member elders committee to address issues likely to arise drawn by the SWC and SEC which were already inaugurated , the congress charged them to ensure fairness and impartiality in their assignments accordingly.
” The union will want to have a smooth, hitch free and credible exercise in a transparent manner that will reflect our professionalism as the eye and mirror of the society”, the communique stressed.
End.
