INTERVIEW: Media has contributed to Akwa Ibom's development - NUJ Boss, Patrick Albert

Patrick Albert

Mr. Patrick Albert is the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist in Akwa Ibom State. In this interview with THE INK crew - EMMANUEL AKPAN, KENNETH JUDE and PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER, he speaks on Akwa Ibom State at 28. He chronicles the history of the state’s creation, the journey so far, journalism practice in the state and other issues of interest. Excerpts:


In the spirit of Akwa Ibom at 28, what is    your assessment of the state in development index and infrastructure since its creation?
First of all, I want to thank THE INK NEWSPAPERS for holding this interview and for giving prominence to an event such as this. Anytime the anniversary of Akwa Ibom State comes, it brings into memory our past; how the state came to be; how we should be grateful to our forbears who promoted the idea of state creation and those who followed up the vision for the creation of the state until it was actualised in 1987.
Looking back for the past 28 years, one would say, to God be the glory; we can say emphatically that Akwa Ibom State has come to be as a desirable state. At its creation in 1987, it was a political expression coming out of Cross River State; already what became Akwa Ibom State was what was then known as Mainland State or the Mainland Path of the main Cross River. But today, from a political expression, we have come to attain a height comparable to other advanced states within the Nigerian federation.

Julius Berger commences clearing of NUJ site

Construction giants, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has commenced site clearing on the proposed Godswill Akpabio International Press Centre, at the current site of the NUJ Press Centre,  Information Drive, Off IBB Way, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The site clearing is in preparation for the full commencement of construction work at the first phase of the Godswill Akpabio International Press Centre which include perimeter fencing/gate house, a 1000 capacity auditorium complex, a-two storey office complex and a club house.

  The architectural design of the Godswill Akpabio International Press Centre was done by a leading architectural firm in the country, Otto Trinity Studios.

THE INK NEWSPAPER, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Unethical behaviour: NUJ suspends member

In a bid to enforce discipline in accordance with the laid down rules and practice of Journalism, the federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has suspended one of her members Alhaji Aminu Ebong who is the publisher of Candour Newspaper. The decision to suspend Ebong was taken during the February general congress of the chapel after a notice of urgent union interest was brought to the congress.

Ebong is said to have exhibited unprofessional conduct during an event at the NUJ secretariat along Information drive in Uyo. Eye witness account holds that even when Ebong was addressed and called to order by the NUJ Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert and other senior colleagues, the seasoned journalist refused to obey and rather went to his car and brought out a dangerous weapon with a full intent to hit his colleague Emmanuel Effiong who is the publisher of the Weekly Update Newspaper. Alhaji Aminu Ebong was described as a bad influence to the journalism profession and was suspended from all activities of the federated chapel which he belongs after a unanimous decision was taken during the February congress of his chapel federated Chapel.