Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has said that under his watch the 8th Assembly will ensure that the Press Corps has a conducive working environment.
The Speaker made the promise when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday at the Assembly Complex in Uyo.
Otong who was in hands with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem (Itu), Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu (Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara), Hon. Emem Udom (Ukanafun), Prince Sampson Idiong (Oruk Anam), Hon. Lawrence Udoide (Ini), as well the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to receive the newsmen said the house have started doing something in that direction with the Clerk of the Assembly.
“I like to thank you for this visit,” the speaker said, “your relationship with us has made it possible for people in different parts of the state to know what is going on here at the Assembly.”
Hon Otong said since the appointment of Comrade Emmanuel Ebong as Press Secretary, they have seen remarkable changes.
According to him, “We are here to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people, so we will work together with the NUJ for the benefit of our people,” he said, he has heard all their requests, especially regarding the office space.
The Press Unit,Office of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly reported that the speaker reiterated his commitment to bettering the welfare of members of the Assembly Press Corps through regular training and provision of necessary office space for Journalists covering the Assembly.
The Chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, while praising the Speaker and members of the 8th Assembly for taking necessary legislative action to draw the government’s attention to the plight of the displaced Ntak Ikot Akpan indigenes in Essien Udim LGA, said that the visit was to strengthen the synergy between the legislature and the media in the state.
With a view of resettling the victims affected by the airstrike, Comrade Etuk, whose speach was full of praises thanked members of the 8th Assembly for engaging in robust debates and ensuring the responsive discharge of its oversight functions.
“Thank you the Speaker for appointing a member of the Union, Comrade Emmanuel Ebong, as your Press Secretary,” Etuk said, that the NUJ will continue to support the House of Assembly to ensure it delivers on its core responsibilities.