By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Southeast zone C, on Sunday, urged the five governors from the zone, including community leaders to regulate activities of scrap metal operators (Iron condemn) owing their alleged engagement in crimes and criminalities.
The Zonal leadership (ZEC) of NUJ, comprising States Chairmen and Secretaries from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, gave the charge in a communiqué issued at the end of their zonal meeting held at Awka, Anambra State capital.
The communiqué was signed by the Zonal Vice President, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Irem, with a committee that drafted it led by Comrade Chidi Asonye, Chairman, NUJ Abia State Council; Comrade Dr Okechukwu Onuegbu, Secretary, NUJ Anambra State Council; and Comrade Chigozie Uzosike, Assistant Secretary, NUJ Imo State Council.
It also called for a collaboration between the governors to checkmate the rising insecurity, militarisation and extortions of the populace for overall development and peaceful coexistence.
"Regulation of Scrap Metal Operators: Deeply concerned by reports linking scrap metal collectors (Iron Condemn) to property theft and kidnapping, ZEC urges state, local government, and community leaders to enact strict regulations and establish enforcement teams to curb these illicit activities.
"Extortion and Excessive Militarization: The ZEC raises an alarm over the heavy militarization of the zone and the harassment and extortion of road users. The Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General, State Governors, and Commissioners of Police are urged to immediately stop these illegal acts," it stated.
The NUJ Zone C also urged the State governors to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works to implement permanent safety interventions along the accident-prone Ugwu Onyema Hill axis in Enugu State, while stressing the need for urgent rehabilitation of deteriorating critical transport corridors, particularly the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which has become a deathtrap.
It added that "The South-East Governors Forum must foster stronger synergy and collaboration to attract federal projects, draw development partners, and immediately address regional security threats. Furthermore, state governments should rehabilitate internal road networks to ease traffic on major arteries, enhance rural-urban connectivity, and boost socio-economic growth.
"Government at all levels must urgently allocate funds to combat the devastating threat of erosion in the region. Additionally, landlords are advised to adopt eco-friendly housing practices, while residents are enjoined to maintain clean surroundings to promote health and prosperity. The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) is urged to fully realize its developmental mandate by leveraging budgetary allocations, economic potentials, and regional opportunities to tackle the pressing challenges facing the zone."
The NUJ Zonal leadership equally condemned the September 8, 2026 attack on Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), at Yelwata, Benue State, urging a thorough police investigation and the prosecution of all suspects involved.
They also expressed concern over the apparent silence of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on critical regional issues and called on the executive leadership led by Senator John Azuta-Mbata to actively advocate for Ndigbo and drive lasting solutions to regional challenges.
On Union innovations and professional standards, the zonal leadership of NUJ applauded the Imo State Council for implementing biometric data capturing for vehicle owners using NUJ stickers, describing it as a worthwhile venture and measure that could help to curb quackery and enhances security of members.
The NUJ leadership further commended the Anambra State Council for successfully hosting its 35th Anniversary and Press Week, encouraging the council to sustain its innovative contributions to media practice.