Gov Eno’s Aide Advocates Responsible Journalism for Good Governance in A’Ibom

Gov Eno’s Aide Advocates Responsible Journalism for Good Governance in A’Ibom

Responsible journalism has been identified as a critical instrument for impactful representation and the promotion of good governance in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, on Tuesday while delivering a public lecture titled “Strengthening Responsible Journalism for Impactful Representation and Good Governance” said responsible journalism rests on a tripod of ethics, courage, and competence.

The event was a symposium for Media Professionals in Eket Senatorial District, organised by The Nigerian Press Council in partnership with the Senator representing that district, Senator Ekong Sampson,PhD.

Ndueso, a broadcast journalist told the participant that ethics drive fairness and balance while courage enables journalists to report truth without fear or favour, with competence ensuring accuracy in news reporting.

He emphasized that journalism remains a vital pillar of democracy and must be practiced with integrity, depth, and a strong sense of public responsibility.

Describing journalism as “the conscience of the society with a by-line,” he noted that while the media wields significant influence in shaping public opinion and holding leaders accountable, such power must be exercised with accuracy, fairness, and professionalism.

He cautioned against the rising trend of viral journalism, where speed and sensationalism often take precedence over verification and public interest.

According to him, responsible journalism transcends the pursuit of headlines and social media engagement, as credibility and public trust remain the media’s most valuable assets.

The Governor’s aide further stressed that journalists must objectively interrogate government policies and projects, neither applauding blindly nor condemning recklessly while ensuring that governance delivers tangible benefits to citizens across communities.

He underscored the role of the media as the voice of ordinary people, particularly those in rural and underserved areas whose concerns are frequently overlooked.

Dr. Ndueso noted that journalism should amplify the voices of farmers, fisherfolk, youths, and other marginalized groups, rather than focusing solely on official statements and elite engagements.

Linking journalism to good governance, he stated that accountability thrives where the press is free, ethical, and courageous, challenging journalists to go beyond event reporting to policy analysis, budget tracking, and clear explanation of government actions for public understanding.

He identified ethics, courage, and competence as the foundational pillars of responsible journalism and warned against compromising professional integrity for personal gain, noting that ethical journalism is indispensable to sustaining democracy and public confidence in the media.

In conclusion, Dr. Ndueso stressed that responsible journalism is not anti-government but pro-society, adding that the quality of governance in the future will largely reflect the quality of journalism practiced today. He urged media practitioners to prioritize accuracy over speed, public interest over personal benefit, and nation-building over popularity.

Other speakers at the event included Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman of NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, Prof Peter Esuh, the Dean of Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, who delivered a keynote address, Prof Herbert Batta, Head of Department Information and Media Studies, University of Uyo and Dr. Idongesit Ashameri former Chairman of Correspondents Chapel, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State.

The symposium which centered on ICT and strategic media and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, witnessed renewed calls for journalists in Akwa Ibom State and across Nigeria to strengthen ethical standards, responsibly interrogate power, and remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, accountability, and service to the people.

Earlier in his remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson appreciated members of the Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals adding that as a journalist himself, he was proud to identify with his colleagues.

While promising to continue to attract empowerment and developmental programmes that will impact on his senatorial district, Senator Sampson also assured of more capacity building platforms for media professionals.