The member representing Essien Udim State constituency in Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Prince Ukpong Akpabio has commended media practitioners for promoting good governance in Nigeria.
Ukpong who is the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges gave the appreciation in his goodwill message presented at the 2024 World Press Freedom Day, held at the State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Akwa Ibom state Council.
He pointed out that no society could grow without an active and free press monitoring and reporting its activities.
His words, “I salute your courage and acknowledge the challenges you face in the course of seeking and disseminating information on daily basis. I appreciate your contributions in promoting good governance as the fourth estate of the realm.
“I am ready to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists in promoting free press through the development of legal frameworks and other measures that will sustain independent media.
“Promoting press freedom is not only upholding the rights of an important segment of the society, it is also promoting the human right to freedom of speech and opinion. And I commend the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his media-friendly disposition.
“I assure you of the commitment of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly towards continued enactment of laws that will create a conducive environment for journalism practice”
Continuing, Prince Akpabio who commended journalists in the State on fair and balanced reportage, stressed, “I charge to continue to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and possible solutions,”
In his remarks earlier, the Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk called on the State House of Assembly to domestic the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
“No society can thrive without a free press, no matter the financial inducements, threats to life, intimidation. I use this occasion to once again call on Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly not to shy away from domesticating the Freedom of Information Act”, Etuk stressed.
The Vanguard