The commissioner stated this during a courtesy visit by the new executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor in his office in Abakaliki.
Engr. Okpor stated that Journalism as a sensitive profession has so much to contribute in shaping government's policies, hence the need to practice with caution.
He frowned at the level of misinformation which often paints the state in bad light, expressing confidence that the new NUJ leadership in the State will deliver on its mandate and develop mechanisms that would checkmate such dissidents from the profession.
"There is no way a body as big as NUJ will expect total conformity. It is not possible. But I have absolute confidence in this leadership to rein in on any dissident among your members."
"I want to assure you that we will continue to strengthen this partnership because you need to enrich democracy and bring governance, dividends of democracy to our people by educating them, by rightly informing them and bridging the gap between the government and the citizens."
The commissioner acknowledged that press freedom which he said is at its peak in the state shows the commitment of governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to media independence, stressing that it should be reciprocated through balanced and accurate reportage.
While commending the conventional media for demonstrating high level of professionalism in discharging their duties, Engr Okpor called on the new leadership to check activities of those people that constantly engage in fake news in the interest of the society.
"This government has given journalists every free hand to operate without anybody forcing you to either go this way or the other way. We have allowed journalists to operate freely. Press freedom has been at its climax under this administration and in the little way we can support the media in the state we have not shied away from that responsibility."
"Government is not expecting anybody not to do his job, what we expect is that if there is need for you to confirm any story, please reach out, get the government side of the story."
"I welcome this offer of partnership and also assure you that this partnership will surely be strengthened "
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor commended the state government for partnering with journalists in different spheres especially the freedom to practice without interference and molestation.
Comrade Nwafor Lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru for the developmental strides in all sectors of governance, especially the scholarship and empowerment of youths which he said has tremendously impacted the economy of the state
"We thank the government for partnering with journalists in different spheres especially the freedom to practice without interference and molestation. We also commend Governor Francis Nwifuru for touching critical aspects of the sector moreso the scholarship, empowerment of youths and improving the living standard of the people."
Comrade Nwafor further Stated that as the fourth estate of the realm, the Council will partner the State government in all aspects of governance and Commended the commissioner for effectively navigating the difficult information management terrain of Ebonyi State.
"NUJ is commending you for effectively navigating the difficult information management terrain of Ebonyi State. You have represented government well with modesty and we are proud of you. Please Continue in that direction."
"We want to set the records straight, not everyone that writes is a journalist. We are sanitizing the system to ensure that quacks do not infiltrate the System.
Government should know that not all written on social media came from journalists. NUJ is an organized body with members that have high sense of discipline. NUJ in the State has an ethics and disciplinary committee responsible for checkmating the activities of Journalists.
According to statement by new secretary of Ebonyi NUJ,Comrade Chinaza John, the new EXCO came with new vision, ideas, energy, one of which is to sanitize the system and redirect our members towards development journalism."
The Chairman was accompanied on the courtesy visit by members of the State Working committee.
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