Journalists in Akwa Ibom have been tasked to avoid writing tribal-induced reports that might create rancour among the people and divide the State.
Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call during the 2014 dinner and award night for him as the “Best Governor since the creation of the state” by the League of Newspaper Publishers in the State at the Le’ Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
“Avoid tribal-based publications that might tend to divide the state. There must be re-orientation in the profession where total repackaging of the industry must be done. Journalists should tend towards the support of government for the development of the state. I also call on them to be focused in their profession in bringing peace and unity to the society,” Akpabio said.
The governor said he was not deterred by the various negative reports against him in some local tabloids, stressing that he will never lost focus in serving the people.
Akpabio thanked the League of Newspaper Publishers in Akwa Ibom State for the award, adding that the award marked a turning point between the state government and the League.
He noted that his administration has touched the lives of the people without tribal sentiments, and dedicated the award to Akwa Ibom children for witnessing the developmental strides and promised to continue to support journalists in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Udom Emmanuel, commended Governor Akpabio for his numerous achievements in the state, stressing that the entire Akwa Ibom people are behind him as a true leader, teacher and father of the new Akwa Ibom.
The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon commended the Governor for transforming all the constituencies in the state, stating that the State House of Assembly was proud of him, and stressed that the House of Assembly would continue to partner the state government for the progress of the state.
The Chairman of League of Newspaper Publishers, Akwa Ibom State, Uko Umoh said newspaper publishers were incomplete without the leadership of the state, and explained that their duties as journalists are based on honesty, hinting that a task-force committee has been set up to monitor their reports.
Umoh said the publishers have access to all the achievements of the former Governors of the State and found Governor Akpabio worthy to receive the award.
He commended Akpabio for changing the landscape of the state through high quality infrastructure which he said has made the state a cynosure of all eyes.
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