AKPANUSOH CHARGE A'IBOM INFO BOSS ON INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Say Electorates Deserve Accurate Info To Vote In 2019

...Urges Proper Budget Implementation By Ministries 

By: Jerry Jerryz Edoho

Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, member representing Esit Eket / Ibeno State constituency in the sixth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged  the state ministry of information and communications to ensure electorates are properly guided on the day to day activities, programs and projects undertaken by the Udom Emmanuel administration.

Dr. Akpanusoh, who is the chairman of the 6th assembly appropriations and finance committee gave the charge while scanning through the information Commissioner Mr. Charles Udoh's presentation of the ministry's 2018 proposed budget estimate.
Akpanusoh in his words maintained that information dissemination is very paramount in Nation building. He implored the info helmsman to put in place necessary requirements needed to keep the people appraise and informed to enable them ascertain the extent of impaction on government policies and Implementation in the rural areas.

Akpanusoh while reiterating his commitment towards the success of Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration vis-a-vis 2019 reelection project restated that the Governor is passionate about proper information dissemination. He commended  the Governor's keen interest to ensure total rehabilitation of the state information dissemination channels  to enable efficiency and accuracy in information dissemination. He stated that  the people at the grassroots need to be properly guided on informations about government activities to reduce unnecessary tension as will always emanate from the camps of mischief makers.

Dr. Akpanusoh expressed dissatisfaction over  the unpleasant condition of the state radio/TV stations which according to him is lacking in professional standard in terms of news coverage, picture quality, facilities, equipment and transmission. He said, for the fact that this year is an election year; let me remind the  ministry of information the necessity to publicise government programs, activities and projects  to the grassroots in other to give the people sense of belonging.

Usoro who is doing his first term in the state assembly urged the information boss to undertake proper  renovation of the entire radio/TV stations to suite global trend. He added that It is sad to always see the Governor appearing in such an environment with dilapidated structures for interviews and other television broadcast.
He appealed to the information ministry to create  a distinctly private interview/studio room  for the Governor to exemplify  dignity of office. According to him, the rehabilitation of the state information system, linking AKBCTV with satellite world will be an added advantage to boost  the state internally generated revenue IGR.

Usoro whose second term re-election victory is  obvious as a result of Stakeholders recurrent endorsement base on his astute performances and legislative leadership in the floor of the house (according to analysts), applauded the information boss for showing professional indication  and readiness to improve. "you must ensure professional training and retraining of staff and practitioners because we do not want to remain in the analogue system".  He said.

Hear him, while you were sworn in, the Governor mentioned that you are the commissioner for information/communications and strategy; I want to advise that you should proof to the people and the governor that he did not make any mistake to have announced that you are the master of strategy in the information and communication ministry.

Akpanusoh, whose advocacy for internally generated revenue has become a recurring decimal in the 6th assembly inquired to know the amount of revenue generated by the ministry for year 2017 and estimate forecast for year 2018  citing the fact that the ministry budget if approved is to be funded with about 40% IGR.

Also speaking, members of  the appropriations and finance committee, member representing Eket State Assembly, Hon. David Lawrence; Elder Friday Iwok; Hon. Barr. Ime Okon while enumerating the positive roles in information dissemination by the ministry of information for the attainment of 2018 outlines programs, activities and projects expressed displeasure in some items captured in the 2018 proposed budget estimate citing the  rehabilitation of the state newspaper, capacity building for staff and media practitioners.

Barr. Ime Okon; chairman committee on information/ deputy chairman, appropriations and finance committee appreciated the committed effort of the info boss and assured the ministry to use his office to  liaise with the state government for a quick release of funds for this year's estimated budget for the purpose of actualising projects outlined for implementation in 2019.

Earlier on, Dr. Akpanusoh had cautioned head of  MDAs to ensure proper budgetary implementation. He maintained that writing to inquire for the first quarter performance in terms of funds released, is to enable the committee draw attention of the government and communicate same indicating  areas that has been neglected in terms of releases of funds.

Reacting, Mr. Udoh  commended the lawmakers stance to reposition the state information systems. He seized the medium to solicit for the corporation of the sixth assembly for the approval of the estimated budget to enable the ministry of information and strategy excellent implementation of strategic projects and programs for a more proactive dissemination of lofty goals and dividends of democracy to the people as envisaged by Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The info boss restated that information is key in sensitising the public. He said within the past six months, the ministry has contracted  three different consultants to examine and proffer professional solution in actualising designed target of turning round the state radio and TV stations to suite global trend in information dissemination and for other purposes like  commercial and economic benefits.