Governor Obiano of Anambra State
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment in Anambra State, Mr. C-Don Adinuba has lauded the media in the State for their role in the prevailing improved security.
Mr. Adinuba gave the commendation during the 2018 edition of Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists Anambra Council “Press Week” on Wednesday.
He spoke on the topic: “Anambra Exceptionalism: Case Study of Security and Good Governance”.
The Commissioner said journalists in Anambra State had enjoyed free space to do their job without molestation or intimidation since the administration of Governor Willie Obiano.
Commissioner Adinuba said: “The media is part of our government. No journalist has been harassed or reported to his organisation for doing his job by this administration.
“Rather, this government has invested heavily in the sector with payment of pension and gratuity of National Light Newspapers staff and building the best studio in West Africa for Anambra Broadcasting Service.
“We also reach out to families of deceased journalists irrespective of whether they wrote in our favour or not. This is because the media are great partners in the wheel of progress in Anambra,’’ he stated.
Commissioner Adinuba said the administration of Obiano was paying all bills with minimum borrowing, noting that the security enjoyed in Anambra was a sign of generousity of his administration.
Said Mr. Adinuba: “Now our people who moved to neighbouring states in search of security and businesses are coming back. No violence, no more kidnapping and armed robbery.’’
In his speech, Mr. Emma Ndukuba, Chairman of the chapel, said the proactive security approach of Obiano and the harmonious relationship between farmers and cattle breeders were helpful to the security situation in the state.
Mr. Ndukuba said the Chapel had to organise the event to enable other states appreciate the Obiano model of security, which was people oriented.
The Chairman said that the peace in the state had helped journalists to discharge their duties without hindrance, promising that the media would continue to serve as the conscience of the society through objective courage.
Speaking while making the presentation, Chigbota Edozie, National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, National Vice President, South-East congratulated the CP, represented by Mr. Haruna Mohammed (SP) the Police Public Relations Officer. She called the award well deserved given the CP’s open door policy.
Mr. Haruna Mohammed, reacting, appreciated the organisers calling the occasion a historic one. He said that the award was the best award given to the commissioner in Anambra because it comes from the people that criticise the police force the most.
Mr. Mohammed promised that the plaque will be featured in all directives of the police to further enhance he relationship between the police and all the members of the press, stating that the CP’s office is open round the clock to attend to inquiries and confirmations.
Some individuals were recognised for their contributions to the practice of journalism in the state and they include: Primus Odili, Chief of Staff to Obiano; Commissioner of Police Garba Umar; and Isyaku Yusuf, Director of DSS in Anambra.
Others were: Obini Onuchukwu, Public Relations Officer of Federal Polytechnic Oko; Ebuka Onukwo, Chairman of Seashore Industries and Adinuba, among others.
