CALABAR, NIGERIA – Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has appointed Mr. Linus Obogo as Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, according to a June 17 press release.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, confirmed the appointments, stating they take immediate effect and align with the administration’s drive for transparency and responsiveness.
“This appointment strengthens our information machinery,” the statement read, emphasizing the state’s effort to improve clarity and engagement in public communication.
Obogo’s return to the role, having served in the past under previous administrations, suggests a strategy of institutional memory and media experience driving public engagement over the next two years.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nsa Gill has been named Special Adviser on Public Affairs. His role is expected to enhance the interface between government and citizens through inclusive policy communication.
“The public deserves open, honest communication from their leaders,” Gill said in a phone interview, pledging to promote ethical, two-way engagement between government and society.
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Observers say placing two seasoned media professionals at the helm of strategic communication positions could counter misinformation, encourage citizen trust, and boost civic participation in governance.
Political analyst Iwara Otu noted that “recycling professionals with integrity and accountability can rebuild public trust and stimulate participatory governance, critical for long-term economic and human development.”
Ethically, the appointments raise questions of inclusivity and political fairness, though both appointees have demonstrated track records in journalism and public engagement.
Over the next two years, their effectiveness could shape public perception, influence transparency levels, and either bridge or widen the gap between government intentions and citizen realities.
Communication experts suggest that proactive media leadership, when driven by truth and ethics, can catalyze economic growth through social stability, public cooperation, and investor confidence.
By reinforcing communication as a tool of governance, Cross River’s administration appears to prioritize both informed citizenry and strategic visibility to the outside world.
If successful, the roles could shift public discourse from rumor-driven narratives to fact-based dialogue essential for societal resilience and entrepreneurial innovation.