•Gov Eno hosting the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul
When public discourse becomes clouded by misinformation, it becomes the duty of right-thinking citizens to set the record straight.
The recent claim by Mr Mojeed Misikilu of the International Press Institute (IPI) alleging “media repression” in Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno is not only incorrect but deeply unfair, alarmingly careless, and starkly disconnected from the facts on the ground.
For a state that has, under Governor Umo Eno, earned a reputation as one of the most media-friendly states in Nigeria, such allegations are totally out of place and unjustifiable; hence, this piece, which attempts to interrogate the issues and set the record straight.
Neither harassment nor sanctions thus far
The claims of media repression are unfounded as facts speak otherwise:
1. No journalist, to the best of my knowledge, has been arrested, invited for questioning, detained, harassed, or intimidated by the Akwa Ibom State Government since Pastor Umo Eno assumed office.
2. No media house, be it local, national, or international, has been shut down, sanctioned, restricted, or barred from government activities.
3. The Akwa Ibom State Government ensures that access to information, events, and officials of the state remains open and unhindered.
These are the facts on the ground. Anyone insisting otherwise should provide evidence against these or respectfully issue a retraction.
•Gov Eno commissioning the Akwa Ibom NUJ Complex in Uyo last August completed and furnished by him.
Governor Umo Eno’s pro-media credentials are unmatched
Under his administration, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has maintained a culture of openness, tolerance, and constructive engagement. Even when some news reports may be inaccurate or unfair, he has chosen persuasion over persecution.
This uncommon patience has earned him recognition from respected media bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
In fact, the governor’s media-friendly reputation is so widely acknowledged that he has been named among the most media-supportive governors in Nigeria.
As a matter of fact, NUJ in January this year honoured him with an Award of Excellence in Development of Media Infrastructure during their 70th Anniversary Celebrations. That, in addition to the “Most Media Friendly Governor” Award earlier bestowed on him by NUJ also, at its 3rd Annual Milestone Recognition Event in October 2024, is certainly not the profile of a leader who represses journalists.
Routine reassignment of Government House correspondents, Channels TV inclusive
IPI’s attempt to cite the recall of Channels TV’s Government House Correspondent and Cameraman as an example of repression is a stretch of their imagination. Journalists are routinely rotated across beats and states; it is standard practice globally.
That was the case as was explained by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.
Channels TV, as of today, still has a correspondent plus a cameraman manning the government house beat, and the relationship between the station and the state remains robust and professional. To describe this normal administrative procedure as “repression” shows a lack of understanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead.
•Gov Eno donating 11 brand new cars EXCO members of Akwa Ibom NUJ in Uyo last August
Umo Eno is a governor that empowers the media, not otherwise
Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to strengthening the media sector is visible, measurable, and unprecedented:
1. The state government recently donated 11 brand-new vehicles to the immediate past NUJ leadership.
2. The governor completed and furnished the NUJ Auditorium, which he personally commissioned alongside the National President of the Union.
3. Akwa Ibom today boasts of many media and communication professionals engaged by the government, and journalists in particular have been appointed as aides of the governor and play central roles in the governance ecosystem.
These are not the actions of a government that fears the press rather, they are the actions of a government that trusts the press.
IPI should do better
For an institution of IPI’s standing, issuing damaging claims without investigation, evidence, or engagement with stakeholders is disappointing. Mr Misikilu’s statement falls far below the standard of responsible journalism and credible advocacy.
He owes the public, and the governor most especially, a retraction and an apology.
Governor Umo Eno’s Administration deserves recognition not misrepresentation
While critics may attempt to manufacture erroneous narratives, the reality remains that Akwa Ibom under Governor Umo Eno is one of the most open, tolerant, and media-friendly states in the federation.
His administration continues to exhibit, Transparency, Openness, a commitment to press freedom, and a willingness to engage constructively with journalists.
At a time when democracy is tested across the globe, leaders like Umo Eno who embrace criticism, tolerate dissent, and support media growth should be celebrated, not maligned.
Therefore, in the interest of truth and fairness, Nigerians should ignore baseless allegations and look at the evidence.
Governor Umo Eno is not repressing journalists. He is empowering them and the facts are right there in the open for all to see.
Thank you for reading.
*Ubon Marcus, a media practitioner, writes in from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
