A’Ibom DSS invasion: Ex-speaker chides journalists

Hon. (Elder) Sam Ikon with NUJ Chair, Elder Patrick Albert

The immediate past Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hon Sam Ikon has urged journalists to always cross check their facts before rushing to press. Elder Ikon who stated this during a visit to the Radar Newspapers in Uyo, condemned the reports in a section of the media, that some cache of weapons and foreign curencies were discovered at the Akwa Ibom State government house during the recent invasion of the facilities by the DSS, saying it was untrue.

Ikon who is the current member of the House of Representatives for Etinan Federal constituency said no money or weapon was discovered during the widely criticized operation and wondered why some journalists went ahead to report otherwise. He said the media owed the society a responsibility of upholding the truth and objectivity in their reportage as society’s watchdog.
Elder Ikon who was at the Radar Newspapers to felicitate with the newspaper on her 2nd anniversary lauded the quality of printing of the tabloid, especially the aesthetic in its design and layout. On the UBA loan obtained by the last administration during his tenure as speaker, he explained that due procedure was followed and that the House was convinced that the facility was in the best interest of the state. He sued for love among the people of the state, insisting that it was the panacea towards smooth growth and development in the state.
The honourable member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Elder Sam Ikon today paid a visit to the Radar Newspaper as part of his support to the newspaper on her 2nd anniversary.
During the visit, Elder Ikon took time to advise journalists on the need to be objective and truthful in their reportage of events and to always cross check their facts before rushing to the press.
The former Speaker of the state house of assembly used the occasion to condemn the reports in some media that cache of weapons and ammunitions as well as foreign currencies were discovered by the DSS at the government house, saying it was completely untrue. And he condemned the state security service for such unwarranted assault on the seat of government of the state.
Rt. Hon. Ikon who said he was impressed by the quality of printing and the aesthetics in the layout and design of the newspaper congratulated the publisher Otuekong Franklyn Isong on the second anniversary of the publication.
On the loan obtained from UBA during the last administration in the state, Elder Ikon told the Radar Newspaper crew that the House of Assembly under his leadership, was convinced that due process had been followed and that the facility was in the best interest of the state.
He used the opportunity to sue for love among the people of the state, saying that love was a panacea for rapid development of any society.
While congratulating the people of the state on the 28th anniversary of her creation, he also called for support to Governor Udom Emmanuel in his development plans for the people.