-Challenges Newspaper to publish Suspension letter
Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed a story published by a local paper, The Guide Newspaper, alleging that Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady has been locked out of her office and uspended by her father, Governor Umo Eno.
Lady Eno-Obareki who has been serving as Coordinator since the unfortunate passing of her sweet mother Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno two years ago, has carried on the role with so much grace and the story was far from the truth.
The Government which reacted through a release signed by the state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah described the story as spurious and false, affirming that The Coordinator remains in her position and her office is only currently undergoing renovation.
Noting that The Guide’s allegation is a wild fabrication and a figment of their imagination, Umanah challenged the newspaper to publish The Coordinator’s Suspension Letter or any evidence to substantiate their claim.
The Government also called on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to caution the newspaper against the continued publication of false reports capable of misleading the public. And called on the newspaper to retract its false report, correct the record and refrain from further publications that misrepresent the administration.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
*AKSG DISMISSES THE GUIDE NEWSPAPER’S SPURIOUS ALLEGATION AGAINST COORDINATOR, OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY; SAYS NEWSPAPER HAS CROSSED THE LINE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS*
1. The Akwa Ibom State Government has categorically dismissed as spurious and entirely false a report published by The Guide Newspaper alleging that Governor Umo Eno has suspended his daughter, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, from her position as Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and locked her out of the office building.
2. For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki remains the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady. The building housing the office is currently undergoing renovation. The newspaper’s allegation is a wild fabrication from the figment of its contrived imagination. The Government challenges The Guide Newspaper to produce the alleged suspension letter or any evidence to substantiate its claim.
3. By this latest publication, The Guide Newspaper has crossed the line of professional journalism. The consistent dissemination of falsehoods against the State is a serious breach of the standards expected of a responsible media organisation. Press freedom does not confer a licence to fabricate stories and mislead the public. The Government will not stand by and allow the circulation of falsehoods to go unchallenged. This statement therefore serves as a firm and final warning to the newspaper to desist from publishing falsehoods. Any further breach will attract appropriate legal action, and the Government will pursue all lawful remedies available to protect its interests and the reputations of the persons concerned.
4. The Government also calls on the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to caution the newspaper against the continued publication of false reports capable of misleading the public. The Government expects The Guide Newspaper to retract its false report, correct the record and refrain from further publications that misrepresent the administration. Credibility is the foundation of journalism, and no media organisation should be permitted to substitute conjecture for facts or sensationalism for professional responsibility.
5. The Akwa Ibom State Government remains committed to the protection of press freedom and the public’s right to accurate information. However, these freedoms must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for truth, fairness and the rights of others.
Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information
