Journalists taksed on fair, balanced, objective reportage
The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Caretaker Committee, Senator John Akpan-Udoedeghe; has charged journalists to uphold the principles of balanced and objective reportage incorporated in the ethics of their profession.
Senator Akpan-Udoedeghe he gave the charge, Monday, during a Press Conference with members of Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, at the Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.
He advised journalists against being sentimental in their reportage, adding that it is more appropriate to investigate issues and establish the true position of things or about political office holders, in order to publish facts and truth.
According to him, “A greater number of things you write about political office holders,, are not true. Please, always cross-check facts through investigative journalism and avoid being used by politicians to undermine some person’s integrity”.
While commending the Comrade Amos Etuk-led NUJ in Akwa Ibom for offering him the platform to speak on the affairs of the state and nation, the former Minister implored the Union to offer same platform to all political parties for fairness and equity.
Responding to questions during the session, Akpan-Udoedghe, who is also a Board member of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, spoke on the deplorable state of Calabar – Itu Road and recounted a personal experience where he had to spend about eight hours journeying from Calabar to Uyo.
He, however, explained that although Akwa Ibom politicians at the national level are making efforts to get the federal government to work on the road, the situation still remains the same due to paucity of funds.
“From our end, we are doing personal consultations and pleading with the President for that road. Every honest person would not shy away from admitting that the road is in a deplorable state.
“The decay of infrastructure all over Nigeria is known but we have the problem of funds. . . I would have loved Calavar – Itu Road to be dualized, I would have loved it to be in perfect shape but in politics, there are so many forces competing for attention”.
