Don’t Vilify Imo Govt, Media Urged

The Commissioner for In
formation, Tourism and Public Utilities in Imo, Mr Obinna Nshirim, has appealed to the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) not to vilify the state government.
A statement from the Public Relations ýOfficer of the ministry, Mr William Unadike, said Nshirim made the call while receiving the executive members of the association in Owerri.
The statement said the commissioner rather urged the publishers to ensure their publications were constructive.
It said he also observed that some reports on the rescue mission of the administration were often misrepresented, and called for a harmonious relationship between the government and the publishers.
The release reported the commissioner as observing that the association had an important role to play in fostering development in the state while urging them to help bridge the gap between the government and the masses.
“I appeal to you to help us bring the achievements of the governor to the notice of the people; a man who has given free education to his people in addition to his other achievements should be commended and not vilified anytime he makes a mistake,” the release quoted the commissioner as saying.
It said the Chairman ýof the association, Mr Lambert Ojukwu, assured the commissioner that the association would co-operate with his office.
It said Ojukwu also added that the members would stick to their objectives of public enlightenment through the publication of fair and balanced reports.