The Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Rose Mary Archibong has cautioned journalists and media outlets in the state against fake news/hate speech and anything that would incite chaos, especially at this critical period of the nation’s democracy.
Mrs. Archibong gave this warning during a recent roundtable with media executives and representatives in the State at Calas Vegas, the latest tourism spot in Calabar.
Ahead of the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, the Information and Orientation Boss enjoined journalists to continue in their roles of setting agenda, contributing to the electoral process and being the only hope of the masses.
“It is out of hatred that you see black and call it white. We do not need to indulge in false reporting. We do not need to colour what we see. It is unethical in journalism. As journalists, you must not succumb to the pressure of self-seeking politicians,” she remarked.
She also stated that the Governor, Ben Ayade-led administration’s investment opportunities, industrialisation strides and tourism enhancement were palpably visible across the State, while urging media practitioners to effectively publicise such lofty achievements.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Eric Anderson, commended Mrs Archibong for bringing the pantheon of media executives and practitioners to the latest tourism spot in the State to interact and chart a course for the noble profession.
He said Calas Vegas, which had already received more than 1500 guests, was the Governor’s brainchild aimed at expanding the tourism frontiers of the State.
Another speaker, the Commissioner for Sustainable Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Oliver Orok, commended the wisdom of his information and orientation counterpart in bringing her constituents to the spot (Calas Vegas), pointing out that with journalists having a firsthand experience of the tourism destination, the perception of Calas Vegas as a façade will be eroded.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Mr Victor Udu, said the roundtable would spur journalists to work with the government and continue to present the State in a positive light.
Heads and representatives of the various media in the State, who thanked the Ayade-led administration for the press freedom accorded them in Cross River State, also lauded the Commissioner for Information and Orientation for her media-friendly disposition, while arriving at a consensus to support government and contribute to the development of society.

Friday Nwagbara