The intimidating presence of any military convoy trooping to civil domain commonly triggers public panic but that was not the situation at the premises of the state Nigerian Union of Journalists [NUJ] Wednesday, where the NUJ Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert warmly received the Commander II Brigade, of the Nigerian Army Uyo, Brigadier General Abdul Ibrahim Hassan, who later scored the administration of the NUJ boss high and promised an open relationship with journalists in the state.
The Brigadier General made the assessment and promise during a courtesy call on the NUJ leadership and top journalists in the state, shortly after a tour on developmental facilities around the NUJ premises.
Speaking joyfully, Brigadier General Abdul Hassan disclosed that he was recently elevated to the rank of Brigadier General that was why he saw it necessary to visit journalists so as to establish an open relationship with journalists that will go a long way in curbing crime in the state.
His words “Because of relationship that has been established already between the military and the media, I said I should take a cue from there. I am going to be open to you journalists. My office door remains open for you because we know that it is always very necessary for the populace to actually receive accurate and timely report as regards security as that is the only way we can dispell rumor”.
Appreciating the developmental strides of the Patrick Albert led administration, Brigadier Hassan made a case for the NUJ boss while describing as good work the developmental facilities found in the NUJ premises.
“I have seen the good works which the chairman has started. We always want to hold onto good things. When I was speaking to him in his office, I told him chairman they are not going to let you go home. Probably after you might have finished all these projects maybe the benefits has started coming in, somebody will tell you go home so that he can enjoy all what you have done, no, it is not done that way. I acknowledge all the good works you have done in the country”.
In his remark, Elder Albert who congratulated the brigadier general for his new rank in office said the presence of the Nigerian Army in the state has given both journalists and Akwa Ibom people a fair sense of security.
The NUJ boss expressed confidence that the brigadier will be effective in his duty and assured that NUJ will support the Nigerian Army through its reportage as well as train army personnel who wishes to enroll in the International Institute for Journalists [IIJ], Akwa Ibom State.
He disclosed that the 2017 NUJ World Press Freedom Day will be held on May 3, saying confidently that Akwa Ibom State journalists are ranked highest in the country.
High point of the visit was the presentation of a portrait to the NUJ boss by the military top brass.
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