The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a rebuttal against the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, dismissing allegations of media repression in the state as “false, unfounded, and completely inconsistent” with the established facts of its relationship with the press.
Akwa Ibom Government issued press release via Information Commissioner Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
It countered IPI Nigeria’s Mojeed Misikilu and Premium Times’ repression allegations against Gov. Eno.
They denied blacklisting claims, refuting media clampdown narrative in the state firmly.
Commissioner Challenges IPI Over Premium Times’ Antagonistic Claims
Commissioner Umanah dismissed IPI claim as unsurprising from antagonistic Premium Times reporting.
He highlighted their known bias against Akwa Ibom State Government repeatedly.
Umanah challenged IPI directly to substantiate any media repression evidence now.
“The Government hereby challenges the IPI and its leadership to provide a single verifiable instance of any journalist arrested, detained, invited, intimidated.
Or harassed on the orders of the Governor or the Akwa Ibom State Government,” the statement read.
Govt Dares IPI: Name Any Sanctioned Akwa Ibom Media
It further dared the body to “identify any media house shut down, sanctioned, or barred from operating in the State,” asserting that no such incident has occurred under Governor Eno’s administration.
Commissioner Umanah outlined Governor Eno’s strong media support record in Akwa Ibom State.
NUJ and Nigeria Guild of Editors hailed him as top media-friendly governor nationally.
This counters IPI’s unfounded repression claims with proven journalist empowerment actions.
He emphasised a policy of “constructive engagement rather than confrontation,” even in the face of published inaccuracies.
Akwa Ibom Links IPI Claim to Channels TV Recall
The government addressed what it suspects may be the root of the IPI’s “misguided” claim.
The recent recall of two long-serving Channels TV staff from the state.
It clarified that the recall of correspondent Mr. Chris Moffat and camera operator Mr. Kufre Ikpe was a “standard administrative practice” of and routine rotation, not a government directive.
“Channels TV, for instance, has replaced the journalist covering the State.
The administration continues to maintain a robust working relationship with Channels and other television stations across the country.
Such routine reassignment does not amount to repression,” the Commissioner stated.
Akwa Ibom Govt Boasts Media Empowerment Amid IPI Row
Including the donation of eleven brand new vehicles to the State NUJ Council leadership and the completion and furnishing of the Council’s auditorium, commissioned by the Governor.
Furthermore, the government revealed it has engaged 356 media and communication professionals in strategic boards, commissions, and advisory roles, a figure it claims is the highest number of media practitioners appointed by any state government in Nigeria.
“This is not the profile of a government that represses the press,” the statement asserted.
Govt Slams IPI’s Uninvestigated, Biased Media Claims
It has called on Mr. Mojeed Misikilu to retract the claim and tender a public apology, while urging the IPI to disassociate itself from his “personal opinion.”
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the Akwa Ibom State Government advised the public to disregard the IPI’s claims.
Stating they “bear no resemblance to the reality in Akwa Ibom State.”
