AKHA will not muzzle the press-Chairman, Information Committee

Hon. Ime Okon

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Ime Okon has said that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has no intention to muzzle the press, rather the House is willing and ready to engage the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other critical stakeholders in the sector to properly regulate the publication and distribution of newspapers to engender respect and honour for the practice of journalism in Akwa Ibom State.

Hon. Ime Okon stated this last Wednesday while briefing the press on behalf of the House of Assembly.
Okon said the essence of the interaction was to strengthen the relationship in the drive to ensure that the dividends of democracy are brought within the reach of the people oriented legislation and representation.
Ime Okon who is the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, said it is the wish of his committee to regularly interact with the media on the activities of the House even as he commended the press for the existing cordial relationship with the sixth Assembly.
According to him, “Let me stress that the House has no intention to muzzle the press.  Of course we have no power to do that, but, it is our collective interest that the Law to regulate the publication and distribution of newspapers and to register newspaper and News Agents in Akwa Ibom State, Cap 88 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2000 be respected. Be that as it may I want to express the appreciation of the leadership of the House to you for the way you have been reporting the activities of the House.”
The Information Committee Chairman took time to brief the press on developments of Six Assembly since it was inaugurated on 8th June, 2015. He noted that the AKHA under the speakership of Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko has long settled down to the business of law making not minding the unwarranted and unnecessary distraction occasioned by the ongoing cases at the tribunals.
The lawmaker further said the House had cleared names of nominees that were sent by the Executive arm of government for appointment as commissioners and Special Advisers, thus getting the Executive to hit the ground running, adding that within the period it became necessary to provide an interim government at the local government level, since it was not possible to conduct elections immediately.
“Accordingly, the governor was granted approval to constitute transition committees in consonance with the Local Government Administration Law as amended for the smooth running of governance at the grassroots as we look forward to election in the near future. You are also aware that the House after due deliberation approved the request of His Excellency, the Governor to restructure the commercial bank loan of Akwa Ibom State into Federal Government bonds, so as to allow room for financial and fiscal reengineering that would bring about the successful implementation of the development agenda of the present administration. In line with legislative tradition, the House has inaugurated standing committees that would see to the effective and efficient running of the House, including oversight. Just last week, the House granted approval to the government to take facility of N10billion from the Excess Crude back loan arrangement.”  He said.
Okon said the sixth Assembly is determined to make appropriate laws to facilitate the provision of job for the teeming youths, provide food, security, education and to facilitate the industrialization drive of government, adding that aside from law making, the legislature would also ensures the compliance with budgetary provision through oversight functions.
He assured Akwa Ibom people that the sixth Assembly has what it takes to deliver on its mandate and cooperation, support and understanding of media practitioners. “It is true that freedom of expression is guaranteed by constitution, but, that freedom must be enjoyed responsibly, especially when we appreciate the fact of the press is reputed to be the fourth estate of the realm. We must be reminded that the criminal code, Cap 39 laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000 frowns at criminal defamation and has prescribed punishment for same. See section 382,383, 384, and 385.”
He used the opportunity to stress the need for media managers of government to be proactive in their responsibilities in order to reduce avoidable and unnecessary friction.