General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International, Calabar, Bishop Emmah Isong, has decried the high level of armed robbery and general insecurity in parts of Calabar metropolis.
Isong said this at his World Faith Mansion, Calabar, while receiving members of Central planning committee for the 2015 NUJ media week.
He urged the media in Cross River to be proactive in reporting of these nefarious activities with the view to drawing the attention of relevant authorities for prompt intervention.
In his words, “I am greatly worried by the high rate of armed robbery and other criminal activities going on in some areas in Calabar,” he stressed.
“Imagine a situation where armed robbery gang raids a particular area on daily basis, with no obstruction and nobody is saying or doing anything about it. Sometimes the security operatives only arrive after the raids have been completed and people robbed and beaten in their homes; this is unacceptable,” the man of God said.
“While calling on journalists to rise up to the challenge by being proactive in reporting these activities of men of the underworld, he also expressed delight that he had encouraged journalists to always be objective and sincere in carrying out their duties.
He said although the state government was doing its best in trying to tackle insecurity but that was not enough, he noted unfortunately the high level of poverty in the country, ressulting in many Nigerians walking the streets on empty stomach.
He called on government at all levels to embark on policies that would directly impact on the people rather than undertake white-elephant projects.
Isong, who is also a Patron of the State Council of NUJ commended the planning committee for the programmes outlined for the event and pledged his total support.
He promised to be personally present during some of the events and to personally sponsor the sports aspect of the event, especially football competition among various chapels.
Earlier, Chairman of the media week planning committee, Mazi Judex Okoro, said the visit was to intimate the Bishop on the programme lined up for the week-long event and for him to make his input.
Chairman of Cross River Council of NUJ, Mr. Ndoma Akpet, assured the clergy that the media would rise up to its responsibility in reporting insecurity in Calabar and the state in general.
The media week which takes place from November 22 to 28, is being organised by the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
