Celebrating a Free Press on World Press Freedom Day

Thedailycourierng

As the world commemorated World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, 2024, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State took the opportunity to express appreciation for the constructive working relationship his administration has enjoyed with journalists in the state since taking office nearly a year ago.

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In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno thanked the media professionals of Akwa Ibom for their “capacity to draw our attention to issues of public good, which is the core responsibility of your noble profession.”

The governor’s remarks highlighting the vital watchdog role of a free press come at an important time. This year’s global World Press Freedom Day theme was “Navigating the Press Freedom Through Unity in Cultural Diversity”, underscoring how a pluralistic media landscape representing all groups in society underpins democratic freedoms.

By explicitly appreciating the media’s role in raising issues of public concern, Governor Eno signaled his administration’s commitment to maintaining an open and productive relationship with Akwa Ibom’s press corps. Too often, governments can view critical media coverage as adversarial rather than a healthy check on power.

It is reassuring to see Governor Eno embrace the importance of this accountability function journalists provide. His statement suggests a respect for the press maintaining its independence to objectively scrutinize policies and decisions of public interest.

At the same time, the governor’s remarks emphasize a spirit of partnership where grievances can be aired and addressed through constructive engagement with the media. This balanced approach creates an environment conducive to both transparent governance and freedom of expression.

In the governor’s own words affirming his alignment with the cultural diversity theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024, he expressed his promotion of “the spirit of bipartisanship in our engagements” with journalists, regardless of any partisan media leanings. This hints at an inclusive approach welcoming of divergent perspectives unified in service of the public good.

Ultimately, Governor Eno’s statement serves as a laudable pledge to uphold press freedoms and maintain positive state-media relations as he leads Akwa Ibom through his policy agenda of “Arise and shine, propelled by the ennobling spirit of unity, brotherhood, and onerous of thoughts and values.”

Words, of course, must be matched by consistent actions protecting the rights of journalists to report without fear or obstruction. But this public endorsement and appreciation of the media’s role is a encouraging first step in the right direction.

As Akwa Ibom’s fourth civilian governor, Eno has an opportunity to build an enduring legacy protecting press freedom as a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in governance. His World Press Freedom Day statement should be viewed as an important opening statement of intent worthy of continued diligence by all stakeholders.

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Reference

World Press Freedom Day: Gov Eno appreciates journalists for robust relationship published in Vanguard By Chioma Onuegbu

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