January 20, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom state commissioner for information and strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong has urged journalists in the state to embrace responsible press to make the society better for every report published.
The commissioner who gave the urge during an interactive session with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Akwa Ibom State Council to mark the one year anniversary of the present executive, noted that pliant press is not good for both the society and reporters themselves and should not be encouraged for any reason.
“Pliant press could be instigated such that it begins to paint valiant as heroes and immediately that happens, the younger generations will become valiant. That is the danger a pliant press can do”. The commissioner explained.
Citing an example in the state situation, the commissioner says the BUA petrochemical project to be located in Ibeno local government is such that would add value to the economy of the state but could be destroyed by pliant press.
“BUA is coming with a road project that will open up the coastal areas of the state.
“With the more than 10-20 km of road the company has promised to build in the state, there is the urgent need to support such investment in the state.”
Comrade EmemObong who mentioned that the State Government was eager to attract more investment to the state spoke against the background of how adverse media report, saying such could discourage investors from coming into the state.
“The governor is struggling to bring investment and people are writing to scare away investors, threatening already existing companies. No matter where your pendulum will swing to, you will create a counter report,” he said.
“An investment is coming to your side and this is when you are choosing to start a fight. As enlightened as you are, don’t help them in the fight because they want to be heard. Reasoning will come to them that investment is coming here.”
According to him, the Ibom deep sea port project in Mbo local government which is being promoted by the state government would also boost the economy of the state.
“There are people who love to read themselves on the pages of newspapers and hear themselves in the news,it gives them a sense of importance.
“They don’t care what will happen to the larger majority, they are just interested in being seen because it is posturing them for their selfish interests.” he maintained.
