By innocent osuoha
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr T.O.E Ekechi has urged journalists in the nation and Imo state in particular to flush out quacks in their circle so as to maintain the integrity of the vocation.
Speaking in his office when the Imo NUJ Exco paid him a special courtesy call, the commissioner also spoke of the need for journalists to keep up the attitude of balanced journalism because of its immense benefits especially in the area of attracting wide readership.
On the forthcoming 2015 electoral year, Dr Ekechi enjoined the media to challenge contestants to give cogent reasons why they want the masses votes out side coming to amasse wealth.
Narrowing his speech down to the Imo state setting, the Information Commissioner advised aspirants mostly those in the guber race to design their manifestos in such a way that it would either sustain Owelle’s legacies or surpass them pointing out that Imolites are highly enlightened now that they can decipher truth from falsehood.
He condemned biased reportage in all ramification pointing out that balanced reporting is a vital ingredient in the media world just as the needful is necessary even when the face of the news maker is not liked.
On a personal note, he assured that all the projects he embarked upon on assumption of duties as commissioner would certainly be completed before he bows out and thanked Imo NUJ for the ICON award it intends to honour him with.
In a brief remark, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Patience Ibeagi thanked the Imo NUJ for the special courtesy call and the expression of the intention to give the commissioner the ICON award which she said depicts a sense of belonging
She described Dr Ekechi as a God sent to the ministry and prayed God to empower him in all his endeavours.
Earlier in his speech, the Imo NUJ chairman Sir Innocent Igwe said the visit was a practical way of appreciating the commissioner whom he said has done a lot for the union recalling he was the first commission to ever visit the Executive immediately on assumption of duty as commissioner
Sir Innocent used the occasion to inform the commissioner of the union’s intention to honour him with an ICON award.
