Concerns have been raised over journalistic practices, as some reporters seem to be veering into grandstanding territory, potentially escalating tensions unnecessarily within Enugu political landscape. The focal point of this unease revolves around the local government election, where a telephone conversation between a journalist and the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State, has been misinterpreted. Contrary to the misreported claims, the State Government has not conclusively decided on matters relating to the upcoming Local Government Elections in the state.
"It is worrisome that a few reporters have resorted to grandstanding in matters that need not be broached especially as it may result in unnecessary heating up of the polity. The issue of local government election which was raised in a telephone conversation by a journalist with the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State was largely misreported to mean that _the State Government says it has no plan to institute caretaker committees in the 17 local government councils of the state_. While no decision has been taken to either conduct the said election or take the option of caretaker arrangement, it needs be stated that as a democrat, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Governor of the state would always be ready to take the best decision for the state in conjunction with relevant authorities for the purpose including ENSIEC whose responsibility it is to conduct LG elections.
It is therefore of importance that reports of this nature must be clearly stated and records kept straight as it could be a source of distress to some interested individuals or groups. Besides, the Commissioner did not address newsmen on Wednesday; the only occasion he talked on this matter with one person on phone was on Tuesday to the extent that he advised those who were interested in the local government elections to hold their peace and not be too anxious about the election as the right thing must be done at the right time.
Again, let us be patient and await decisions on the matter"
Signed;
Aka Eze Aka
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State.
