Tensions in Akwa Ibom as Udom Emmanuel shuns journalists over ‘FFK’s boycott’
There are growing tensions and possible clash between Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel and journalists in the state following tactical moves by government to replace the traditional Governor Media Chat with the newly instituted monthly ‘Governor Speak’ Radio-TV programme.
The moves, Morenews gathered, may not be unconnected with the decision not the Akwa Ibom State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on the directives of the National Working Committee of the Union to boycott the press briefing organized by the state government during the visit of the former Minister of Abiation, Femi Fani-Kayode popular called FFK few months ago.
The embattled former Aviation Minister, who purportedly beat his wife, Precious into coma and snatched their sons from her was first shunnedb y Akwa Ibom journalists and all activities associated with him boycotted after he called a journalist in Calabar, ‘stupid’.
The development allegedly angered Governor Udom Emmanuel whom observers claimed has decided to pay journalists in their own coin by shunning them when they least expected it.
Plans had been underway for Governor Udom Emmanuel to have a media chat with journalists on the state by 4pm on Saturday, 26th September, 2020.
As at Friday morning, Governor Udom Emmanuel had reportedly informed the leadership of the Union that only 40 members of the Union are expected at the event, citing COVID-19 protocols.
But journalists in the state were shocked to their marrows when news started filtering in that the governor has due!led the plan and opted for the Radio- TV programme anchored by James Edet.
To their dismay, only the state chairman of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk and one other executive member were invited to form the Panel but Etuk expectedly turned down the offer, insisting that the move is a slap on the integrity of the Union.
The development came as a surprise to most journalists in the state as Governor udom Emmanuel almost never missed the yearly Media Chat since he assumed office five years ago.
When Governor Udom Emmanuel chatted with the press on 25th September, 2019, exactly one year ago, he promised the to make the meeting quarterly and directed the then Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sir Charles Udoh to liase with the NUJ chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, to work out modalities to make it possible.
But the latest development tended to prove that it was not to be, despite repeated assurances by the new Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
Across section of media practitioners in the state are disappointed that neither Governor Udom Emmanuel nor his commissioner could keep to their promises.
The development has dented the euphoria that greeted the emergence of Comrade Ini Ememobong as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
This has has brought to mind a statement purportedly accredited to Sir Charles Udoh, his predecessor, that journalists should not expect magic from Comrade Ini Ememobong.
The Radio-TV live programme, Governor Udom Speaks, was the brainchild of Sir Charles Udoh who had strain relationship with media practitioners before he was redeployed to the Ministery of Environment.
Meanwhile, information reaching Morenews.ng has it that some APC chieftains in the state are taking advantage of the situation to woo some journalists.
Among them is the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio is incidentally in the state at the moment.
A source close to the former governor of the istate told Morenews.ng that his principal is set to hijack the situation.
According to the source Senator has reactivated his links in Akwa Ibom NUJ who are allegedly working on how best Senator Godswill Akpabio could steal the show.
