December 7, 2008
It has become necessary to react to an obviously false report published recently by Saharareporters about Gov Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, considering the intemperate and uncivilised language used in the report. Besides, there is need to correct the impression, to avoid members of the public being misled by the misinformation.
The story in question claimed that Gov Akpabio bought a Mecedes Jeep for the chairman of EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri. And without any evidence or any form of conviction, the report labeled the Akpabio "the thieving governor". That, we consider, to be very uncivilized; prejudicial and truly subjective. That is not journalism!
The report failed to inform the public on why a governor who has no case with the anti-graft agency would want to "bribe" the EFCC chairman.
For the avoidance of any doubt, therefore, we state unequivocally, that Gov Akpabio has run one of the most transparent and accountable governments in recent times. His projects are well laid out in line with the contemporary current of due process, accountability and rule of law. His programmes are tangible, accessible and verifiable. Such a leader, who has nothing to hide about his government, therefore has no reason to either "bribe" or "induce" anybody, contrary to what the Saharareporters would want the world to believe.
It is not clear why the said story deviated from its set target to attempt dragging Gov Akpabio into a needless fray. What is however very transparent is that there is no iota of truth in the report; specifically, as it concerns Gov Akpabio giving a car of any kind to the EFCC chairman.
For emphasis, Gov Akpabio is not under any investigation by EFCC, hence, has no reason to offer bribe to anybody. He does not even believe or support bribery in any form as that would be contrary to his firm stand against the enter body of corruption. It should be noted that it is not every public office holder that is corrupt.
Common sense and objectivity, the hallmark of good reporting, suggest that while it is okay to criticize a government when it does wrong, the same government should also be commended when it baffles its critics, like Gov Akpabio has clearly done.
We therefore expect the Saharareporters to refocus from this attitude of tarring everybody in government black or seeing every governor in negative light. Every NIgerian, including the Saharareporters publishers should rather give kudos to Gov Akpabio for his people-focused leadership; instead of tarring him with manufactured stories for whatever end.
- Usoro I. Usoro, Chief Press Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Governor.
The story in question claimed that Gov Akpabio bought a Mecedes Jeep for the chairman of EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri. And without any evidence or any form of conviction, the report labeled the Akpabio "the thieving governor". That, we consider, to be very uncivilized; prejudicial and truly subjective. That is not journalism!
The report failed to inform the public on why a governor who has no case with the anti-graft agency would want to "bribe" the EFCC chairman.
For the avoidance of any doubt, therefore, we state unequivocally, that Gov Akpabio has run one of the most transparent and accountable governments in recent times. His projects are well laid out in line with the contemporary current of due process, accountability and rule of law. His programmes are tangible, accessible and verifiable. Such a leader, who has nothing to hide about his government, therefore has no reason to either "bribe" or "induce" anybody, contrary to what the Saharareporters would want the world to believe.
It is not clear why the said story deviated from its set target to attempt dragging Gov Akpabio into a needless fray. What is however very transparent is that there is no iota of truth in the report; specifically, as it concerns Gov Akpabio giving a car of any kind to the EFCC chairman.
For emphasis, Gov Akpabio is not under any investigation by EFCC, hence, has no reason to offer bribe to anybody. He does not even believe or support bribery in any form as that would be contrary to his firm stand against the enter body of corruption. It should be noted that it is not every public office holder that is corrupt.
Common sense and objectivity, the hallmark of good reporting, suggest that while it is okay to criticize a government when it does wrong, the same government should also be commended when it baffles its critics, like Gov Akpabio has clearly done.
We therefore expect the Saharareporters to refocus from this attitude of tarring everybody in government black or seeing every governor in negative light. Every NIgerian, including the Saharareporters publishers should rather give kudos to Gov Akpabio for his people-focused leadership; instead of tarring him with manufactured stories for whatever end.
- Usoro I. Usoro, Chief Press Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Governor.
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