… Warns Against Overzealousness By Public Office Holders
The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Akwa Ibom State Chapter has joined its voice to condemn the recent attacks on journalists in the state saying such could mar the public image of the state.
This was contained in the resolutions reached at its September monthly meetings held at the Image House, Uyo.
The Chapter while assessing the state of the state recalled with dismay the recent attacks on journalists including; the wrongful arrest and imprisonment of Mary Ekere by officials of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, as well as the Police attack on Okodi Okodi and two other members of staff of the Inspiration FM during the raiding of NTA Uyo by suspected hoodlums.
It also condemned the raiding and destruction of facilities of the NTA Uyo, saying that such was a stain on the public image of Akwa Ibom State.
The chapter which holds its monthly meetings every last Thursday of the month, maintained that it was absurd to attack a journalist on its duty post stressing that such acts should not be associated with Akwa Ibom State and its people.
The Chapter emphasized on the need to create and maintain a positive image of the state and that of its citizens and urged journalists, social analyst and others to eschew the “pull-him-down” syndrome, adding that such was an ill wind that does no one any good.
It further called on Akwa Ibom people to support its citizens who are in positions of authority either in the private or public sector adding that such would attract greater things to the state than blackmailing them especially through the social media platforms.
While commending its major partners, especially the AKwa Ibom State Government and Exxon Mobil, for always supporting activities of the chapter, it urged all Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to avoid acts capable of creating a negative image for the state.
The chapter noted that the industrialization drive of the state government would not achieve the desired success if investors, especially those outside the state and Nigeria, are continually fed with negative stories about the state.
The September meeting also featured the inauguration of the Public Relations Resource Library by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo – a fellow of the institute, represented by his Press Secretary, Mr. Ekikere Umoh, and a PR lecture by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.
