Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson, has identified with State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it marks the 2020 World Press Freedom Day.
Barrister Sampson, in a press release on Sunday, said “The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Journalism Without Fear or Favour,’ is apt, particularly so in the face of rising global challenges.A free press plays an essential role in every democratic society as it is the spine of all democratic governments. However, there is need for a balance in the process of performing its noble duties.”
Speaking further, Barrister Sampson, himself a longstanding journalist, said “For the media to be credible, it has to take responsibility for getting its facts right. It is at this juncture that there must be a firm departure from acts that do not mirror the fine ideals of the profession.”
“Journalism is a noble profession. As a proud member of the prized tribe myself, I am fully aware of the enormous sacrifices journalists have made, sometimes paying the huge price in drivingopen exchange of information and opinions and ensuring good governance.It is important that the Union and all true journalists rescue this illustrious profession from stray sharks.We must, leading from the front, collapse the blackmail architecture and pursue those values that will earn us respect and build society.”
According to Barrister Sampson, “The press has served humanity well. We should not only sustain the bar raised by past heroes, but work hard to lift it even higher. While saluting my colleagues, may I remind all to continue to promote our clean environment – a critical plank of the Health of the Earth mantra of the Ministry of Environment & Petroleum Resources, Akwa Ibom State.”
