The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F (South-South), has called for the suspension of political campaign activities in the South-South for two weeks because of the floods ravaging the region.
The union said the suspension would allow for the concentration of attention in harnessing efforts and resources needed to bring succour to the suffering victims of the flood.
According to a press release jointly signed by the union’s Vice President, Opaka Dokubo and Zonal Secretary, John Angese, there has not been enough support for the victims of the flood in the region from the government.
The Zonal leadership of the NUJ acknowledged the efforts being made by governments at the ‘subnational level in the region’ but stressed that the Federal Government ought to make its presence felt by coming to the aid of the victims and save lives.
The union said it was insensitive for politicians to continue to engage in exuberant political activities within and outside the region, while the people whom they are jostling to govern are facing such a life-threatening situation.
“Our people are dying and in desperate need of help. This is, therefore, not the time to play politics; this is not the time for half-hearted gestures and cosmetic measures in dispensing the commonwealth of the people.
“This is the time to save lives. This is the time to demonstrate the true meaning and value of service in leadership. It is the time to practically demonstrate that the people remain at the very centre of all politics and governance”, the statement said.
“It is unacceptable that, in the midst of plenty, the flood victims should beg to just stay alive for a few days, as they now sleep and wake up in open spaces without food and other essential daily needs.”
“The union, therefore, urged the various state governments in the region to rise up to the challenge of providing needed leadership in harnessing and effectively coordinating efforts and making meaningful interventions to contain the situation.
“To this end, the union called on all elected and appointed functionaries of government at all levels to return and stay home and lead the charge, while it entreated all political parties, their candidates and supporters to synergize and forge a common front by toning down their activities and pooling efforts and resources to save the lives and livelihoods of the people they are aspiring to serve.
NUJ also appealed to non-governmental organisations, agencies including multinationals and other corporate bodies, religious organizations and public-spirited individuals and groups to volunteer critically needed assistance and support to save the situation.
