By: Joe Ephraim, Calabar
The newly appointed Cross River State Commissioner And for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has pledged to strengthen collaboration between the state government and journalists to promote the state and ensure effective communication of government policies and programmes.
Cobham pledged his commitment during a condolence visit to the Cross River State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) after the passing of veteran journalist Comrade Anietie Akpan and fellow journalist Francis Ogar.
The commissioner described journalists as the conscience of society, saying their role was critical in keeping public officials accountable and ensuring that government remained on track.
He said the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu was media-friendly and would work closely with journalists to promote constructive engagement and project the positive image of Cross River State.
According to him, “My doors are open. We will engage and make sure that, as the conscience of society, we put the government on track for the best of everybody.”
Cobham, who said his appointment as Information Commissioner was an opportunity to build on existing relationships with media practitioners, promised to convene a proper media conference where government and journalists would discuss areas of partnership and chart a new course for effective information dissemination.
He also assured journalists of regular access to information, stressing that the media had an important role to play in explaining government policies and correcting misconceptions in the public space.
“If you don’t answer the questions, you are simply giving the impression that the opinion held out there is correct. So, if the opinion is not correct, then you will speak,” he said.
The commissioner recalled his previous experience as Commissioner for Transportation, where, he said, he maintained regular engagement with the media.
Cobham also commiserated with the NUJ over the death of the journalists, describing the deceased as professionals who had contributed significantly to society through their practice.
He said their impact would remain in the memories of colleagues and the wider society, adding that their contribution to journalism could not be forgotten in a hurry.
On her part, the Chairman of the Cross River State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Archibong Bassey, congratulated Cobham on his appointment and thanked him for identifying with the union at a difficult period.
Bassey described the late journalist Anietie Akpan as a strong pillar of the union, saying his death, alongside that of another colleague, Francis Ogar, had left the journalism community in the state mourning.
She said the late Anietie Ben had positively impacted the lives of many people who came in contact with him, adding that the union would work closely with the family on funeral arrangements and keep the commissioner informed of developments.
The NUJ chairman also appealed to the commissioner to revive ministerial press briefings, which she said had provided opportunities for ministries, departments and agencies to explain government policies, programmes and projects to Cross Riverians.
She noted that although several government activities were ongoing, inadequate information had made it difficult for the public to fully appreciate their impact.
Bassey said the union was ready to partner with the government, stressing that journalists remained critical stakeholders in the development of the state.
“Cross River State is the only state we have. If we pull it down, where do we run to? We are in this together. It is our responsibility to promote it,” he said.
Responding, Cobham assured the NUJ that under his leadership, the Ministry of Information would work closely with journalists and ensure wider dissemination of information on government activities.
He said the proposed renewed engagement would enable journalists to better inform the public while also providing the government with feedback necessary for effective governance.
The commissioner said he looked forward to a productive relationship with the media, adding that journalists were as important to society as other public office holders.
