Update:

Journalists have neither friends nor enemies – Info Commissioner

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Ini Ememobong, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information and Strategy speaking in Qua Iboe Church, Uyo

In the performance of their duty, journalists are bound to make friends and enemies, Comrade Ini Ememobong, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information and Strategy said on Sunday.

Ememobong who bared his mind at the 2021 thanksgiving service by Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ at Qua Iboe Church, 112 Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, however, declared that Journalists have neither friends nor enemies.

He said in attempt to balance a news story, journalists can make enemies, noting ‘’This is in line with his professional calling. He can make friends or enemies in order to do his job well. Let the public understand them well.’’

Giving an insight into the smooth working relationship, the Commissioner said that, the state government places high premium on press freedom.

He appreciated the contributions of the media to the growth and development of the society, describing journalism practice as tasking, and announced government’s N10 million to the week-long celebration.

In his message entitled: A season of new song, the Superintendency Pastor, Rev (Dr.) Iniobong Udoh, declared that God has a new song for the NUJ and its members in the state.

Reading from 2 Samuel 1:1-5, Udoh said King David offered thanksgiving to God for the mercy, exemption from attacks and frustration of enemies he enjoyed from God, stressing the need for Christians to always show gratitude to God.

The state chairman of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, in his thanksgiving message, said that God’s benevolence on the union has been tremendous since he came into office in 2019, adding that this year’s Press Week was not going to be just another celebration, but a time to infer into the future, as Nigeria negotiates the 2023 corner.

”This explains the choice of the theme, Politics, National Unity, and the Quest for Credible Elections in 2023: The Role of Journalism.

”This year’s Press Week is for celebration of excellence and a time to reflect on our roles in the past during the build-up to general elections and project into the expectations from us by the society on the way to 2023 elections,” Etuk said.