– As Information Commissioner, Emelumba Lobbies for More Media Awards
– INPA Plans Award ceremony for Uzodimma
– Appoints Gov’s Aide Committee Chairman
The 2024 Openness Index report released by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), which ranked Imo State as the worst in terms of openness and press freedom, has continued to unsettle the state government.
The report highlighted the number of journalists and citizens allegedly arrested, detained, or harassed for expressing dissenting views under the current administration.
In a swift response, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, dismissed the report, stating that neither the journalists, media houses, nor lawsuits mentioned in the publication were not known to him.
On the accusation of restricted access to public information, Emelumba claimed that government officials regularly provide necessary information to known and accredited journalists within the state.
However, a source within the Government House who spoke anonymously revealed that the government is deeply concerned about the CJID report due to the organization’s reputation, high standards, and wide acceptance.“We’re waiting to see how this scenario unfolds. We know many of the publishers have been approached and co-opted.As you are aware, leadership newspaper will be giving the governor Award soon as best performing governor.Thereafter, another National Newspaper which he didn’t mention its name will follow suit”, the source said.
According to the source, as part of a broader strategy aligned with discussions involving Emelumba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Modestus Nwamkpa-who also serves as the Publisher of Big Truth Newspaper-was appointed Chairman of the Award Night Planning Committee, tasked with finalizing event modalities.
It was also gathered that the leadership of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA) recently visited Emelumba to discuss the packaging of the upcoming award event.
The source further disclosed that, in a bid to give the Award Night a sense of legitimacy and inclusivity, the organizers included other prominent Imolites on the award list to avoid making it appear like a purely Uzodinma-centered affair.
Some publishers have expressed surprise and disappointment at the recent developments. They noted that Emelumba, who allegedly ignored and distanced himself from state-based newspaper publishers for the past seven years, is now suddenly engaging with them-after long denying them access to the Governor.
