The Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, has pledged a media-friendly administration under Governor  Bassey Otu, saying government and journalists must partner to project the positive image of the state.

The Commissioner stated this on Wednesday  during a condolence and familiarization visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State Council Secretariat in Calabar.

Cobham assured that under his watch, government would prioritize timely information dissemination.

“When I was Commissioner for Youth and Sports, I kept the media abreast. Going forward, we are going to have a close working partnership. In this season of active engagement, there will be dissemination,” he said.

The Commissioner said his appointment was destined and that he was committed to working closely with the media to advance the “People-First Agenda” of the Otu administration.

“I want to tell you that the administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, is very media friendly. As a spokesman of the government, my ministry and I would like to be carried along in all of the processes and plans,” Cobham stated.

“My strength lies in my confidence in you. We’re going to partner together to promote the image of Cross River State. We’re going to partner in constructive engagement. I would not like to have any of us in antagonism,”* he said.

He assured that his doors would remain open and that a proper media conference* would soon be convened to set the trajectory for government-media collaboration.

“The journalist is as important as any other public office holder. Together, we will fight the challenges of Cross River State and we’ll enjoy the benefits of Cross River State,” he said.

The visit coincided with the NUJ’s mourning of two veteran journalists in the state — Mr. Anietie Akpan and Francis Ogar.

Cobham described their demise as a great loss to the profession, saying their contributions as the “conscience of society” will not be forgotten in a hurry.

“Life is not about how long, but how well, what impact you’ve been able to make to society. As members of the fourth estate of the realm, they paid their dues, projecting the morals of our society and standing up for what is positive,” he said.

“We cannot forget them in a hurry because their memory will linger on their contribution to this great profession. As the conscience of society, they kept those of us in public office on our toes to make sure we do not derail. May their gentle souls rest in peace,” he said.

In his remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, congratulated Cobham on his assumption of office and thanked him for identifying with journalists during their period of grief.

He described the late Mr. Anietie Akpan as a strong pillar of the union and said Francis Ogar had battled ill health before his passing.

“For everyone who came in contact with Mr. Anietie Akpa, I am sure they will speak in one voice. He impacted the lives of those who came in contact with him. He came, he saw, and he conquered,” Bassey said.

The Chairman assured the Commissioner of the union’s readiness to work with government, but appealed for the resumption of quarterly ministerial press briefings* to keep Cross Riverians informed about government policies and programmes.

“Please, sir, it is an appeal that we try to bring it back. Maybe quarterly ministerial press briefings. It will go a long way to promote the activities of His Excellency,”* she added.