The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State Council has appealed to the state government to reinstate quarterly ministerial press briefings, saying citizens are not being adequately informed about government policies, programmes and projects.

The call was made by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, on Thursday during a familiarization visit by the Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, to the NUJ Secretariat in Calabar.

Bassey said the absence of regular ministerial briefings has created an information gap, despite the many activities of the Senator Bassey Otu administration.

“Before now, we used to have ministerial press briefings. By that, MDAs have the opportunity to explain. By that, we inform Cross Riverians. It has not been for a long time,” she said.

“Just a few days ago, we had the Commissioner for Youth and Sports come on a session with us. There is so much going on, but people don’t seem to be informed. We are not highlighting policies, programs, and projects of His Excellency the way they should be highlighted,” the Chairman stated.

He urged the new Commissioner to push for the return of the briefings, preferably on a quarterly basis, to improve transparency and public awareness.

“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,” Bassey appealed.

In his response, Pastor Cobham assured the union of a media-friendly government and a commitment to regular information dissemination.

Drawing from his experience as former Commissioner for Transport, he said he kept the media abreast of activities and would replicate same in his new role.

“When I was Commissioner for Transport, I kept the media abreast. I kept the press 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 also declared that the doors of the Ministry of Information would remain open to journalists and that a proper media conference would soon be convened to set the agenda for 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,” Cobham said.