By Samuel Ogude
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has strongly condemned the rising wave of political violence in Delta State, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace and democratic governance as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The position of the Chapel was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly Congress held on Thursday at the High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) Press Centre, Eburu Street, Warri., Delta State.
The Congress called on political office holders, political parties, their supporters and other stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns, shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and refrain from actions capable of undermining the state’s peace and security. The Union also urged security agencies to remain impartial, professional and proactive in preventing politically motivated violence, while ensuring that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
Beyond politics, the Chapel expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence and other criminal activities across Warri and neighbouring communities, noting that the situation has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
It therefore called on the Delta State Police Command and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, intensify surveillance and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. According to the communiqué, “Residents deserve to live and carry out their lawful businesses without fear of violence or intimidation.”
The Congress also drew the attention of the Delta State Government to the persistent flooding affecting several parts of Warri and Effurun, particularly along Refinery Road. It attributed the recurring floods to inadequate drainage systems, blocked drains and poor road infrastructure, stressing that the situation has caused hardship, destruction of property and disruption of commercial activities during heavy rainfall.
The Chapel called on the state government to urgently desilt drains, construct effective drainage channels and implement sustainable flood control measures across affected communities. The communiqué further expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the Effurun/Sapele Road, especially the stretch between Mercyland and Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area.
It described the road as a death trap, citing deep potholes, failed sections and poor drainage that have exposed motorists, commercial transport operators, pedestrians and residents to serious danger. According to the Union, although reconstruction work is ongoing on the road, relevant authorities should ensure proper traffic management to ease movement and guarantee the safety of road users throughout the construction period.
The Congress also decried the persistent traffic gridlock and environmental nuisance around Mami Market, the adjoining roundabouts and the Mercyland axis. It blamed the situation on indiscriminate parking of petroleum tankers, articulated vehicles and other heavy-duty trucks, as well as trading activities along the road shoulders.
The Chapel called on the Delta State Government, Uvwie Local Government Council, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to strictly enforce traffic regulations, remove illegally parked tankers and trucks, and relocate traders obstructing the free flow of traffic.
The Union stressed that governments at all levels, particularly the Delta State Government, should prioritise infrastructure development, environmental sanitation, public safety and youth empowerment as sustainable strategies for reducing unemployment, crime and social unrest.
Reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism and the promotion of democratic values, the Chapel pledged to continue upholding ethical standards, defending press freedom and constructively engaging government and other stakeholders on issues affecting the welfare of the people.
It also assured residents that it would continue to play its watchdog role by advocating policies and programmes that promote peace, development, transparency and accountability across Delta State.