Fuel price: NUJ calls for subsidised transport fare

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has urged the federal, state, and local governments to make available adequate government-owned transport facilities with reduced fares to cushion the effects of the increase in petrol pump prices.

“The public transportation facilities will convey workers, who bear the direct brunt of the hike in fuel pump prices, to and from work,” Dr. Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of the Council, said on Monday.

Odogwu spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

He reacted to the transport difficulties being faced by Nigerians due to the increase in the pump price of gasoline.

He said that journalists, along with other Nigerians, were finding it difficult to transport themselves to their workplaces.

He urged public office holders to see journalists as partners in progress rather than rivals and recognize them as members ofthe fourth estate of the realm.

“The NUJ is appealing to the state government to apply human facewhile deliberating on the issue of Anambra Newspaper and Printing Corporation (publishers of the National Light newspaper), considering its historical and symbolic value to the state and workers.

“We frown at the rumors of shutting down National Light and ask the state government to reconsider its intention; journalists are prime for any society to thrive,” he said.

Odogwu thankedsecurity agents for their efforts in addressing insecurity and urged them to do more.

He urged commercial motorists and motorcyclists to shun reckless driving and appealed to traffic managers to intensify efforts toward educating road users on safety.

“The NUJ commends Gov. Chukwuma Soludofor embarking on massive road construction and rehabilitation; the importance of a good road network cannot be overemphasized,” he added.