The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council,
on Sunday blasted the information managers of COVID-19 committee in the state
over what it called ‘persistent information mismanagement’ and lack of
coordination in giving updates.
Recall that there have been conflicting figures and
statements on the COVID-19 update in the state, especially on the number of
discharged COVID-19 patients in the State.
Worried by the information discrepancies, the state
leadership of NUJ, in a statement entitled, ‘The Soup-Pot Information
Management on COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom Continues’, which was signed by its
Chairman, Amos Etuk and the Secretary, Dominic Akpan, regretted that major
stakeholders in the Information sector were not taken into consideration in
such events.
The NUJ wondered why press conferences on COVID 19 update
should be held without the presence of Journalists who should get first hand
information and ask necessary questions for clarifications.
They further regretted that though Gov. Udom Emmanuel had
ensured the safety of Akwa Ibom people, yet the manner of presentation of his
efforts to the public by the COVID-19 information managers left much to be
desired.
Buttressing their points, NUJ said the press briefing held
in the state government house Sunday afternoon by COVID-19 information managers
on the attempt to carry out massive testing of Akwa Ibom people to ascertain
the level of infection before lifting the ban on the economy lacked details,
depth and consistency.
It said as usual, members of the Union which included
correspondents of National Dailies, publishers of local tabloids and reporters
of state government owned media houses were not invited to the said press
conference which should have given them the privilege to ask questions for more
details and elucidation.
The NUJ’s Statement reads in parts, “The Nigeria Union of
Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, is concerned by the persistent
information mismanagement by those charged with the responsibility to update
Akwa Ibom people on the coronavirus pandemic, popularly known as COVID- 19.
“While Gov. Udom Emmanuel is doing everything to ensure the
safety of Akwa Ibom people, the manner of presentation of his efforts to the
public by the COVID-19 information managers calls for concern as major
stakeholders in the sector are often not taken into consideration in such
events.
“This afternoon, COVID-19 information managers issued a
Press Statement, announcing that the COVID- 19 Management Team is carrying out
massive testing of Akwa Ibom people to ascertain the level of infection before
lifting the ban on the economy this week, without the presence of major
stakeholders in the information sector, including the NUJ, which comprises
correspondents of national newspapers and journalists in the local media and
state government-owned media organizations.
“While the intention to embark on massive testing of the
people is commendable, we are quick to point out that the statement, is lacking
in details, depth and consistency.
“The following questions concerning the statement beg for
answers.
“When is the massive testing exercise commencing?
“Is there any NCDC approved laboratory in Akwa Ibom?
“If the answer to question 2, is yes; where is the laboratory
located?
“Are Akwa Ibom people going to be tested in their houses?
“How long will the exercise last?
“Is it possible for the testing team to cover the 31 local
government areas in few days, before the lifting of the ban on the economy?
“Has Akwa Ibom State Government received test kits from the
Federal Government, groups or individuals; if the answer is yes, what is the
quantity?”
The NUJ called for synergy and collaboration in the
dissemination of information in the States, as applicable in other states of
the federation for the good of the people.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com