A’Ibom Attributes Success in Governance to Patriotism in Leadership

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Government has said the achievements so far recorded in the state since its creation could be attributed to the patriotism in leadership exhibited by successive administrations in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, made the remark when the State Working Committee of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Uyo.

Udoh said the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno-led administration is designed to complement and further on the gains.

He advocated a robust reportage to promote the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which he said represented the continuity of governance and a culmination of efforts by previous administrations to make Akwa Ibom a model state.

Tasking journalists to perform their function with patriotism, Udoh sued for promotion of narratives that would further unite the state, celebrate the blessings of good leadership evident in the infrastructural, human capital and economic evolutions, rather than demonising leaders or de-marketing the state in pursuit of trivial political gains.

According to him, “All over the world journalists put government feet on fire, but doing so shouldn’t be based on animosity, proxy motivations or carrying political waters for certain entities.

“Rather, we should look at the finer elements that define us as a state and celebrate them. Where the government has done well in certain focal points of the thrust of governance, we should not shy away from commendation.

“There is no redeeming value in de-marketing the state or demonising the institutions of governance.”

The Chairman of the state council of the NUJ, Amos Etuk, thanked Governor Eno for carrying the Union along in his governance programme.

He congratulated Udoh on his reappointment as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor describing him as valuable asset to the present administration, given his unprecedented length of time in the office.

He expressed optimism that his wealth of experience would enhance government-press relations to the betterment of the state.