By Emmanuel Ntekim
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa and ambassador-designate, Senator Ita Enang, has declared that he will not hesitate to approach the courts if any provision of the Electoral Act is violated during the 2027 general elections.
Sen. Enang made this known on Friday at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, during the Annual Dinner and Award Night, unveiling of the Critique Magazine, and the launch of a N15 million solar power facility by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
Addressing journalists at the event, which held at the Patience Eno Auditorium, the former lawmaker charged media practitioners across the country to ensure that their reportage of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections strictly aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He stressed that the media has a crucial role in strengthening democracy and shaping the legacy of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda through responsible and positive reportage.
“In your reportage of politics and activities leading up to the 2027 electoral process, please read first the Electoral Act and its provisions,” he said.
“Let your reports be aligned with the position of the law and according to the electoral laws of the land. Let every person have free access to the courts; let us jointly protect our democracy.”
He further warned that he would personally seek legal redress whenever he observes any breach of the law. “I will not hesitate to head to the courts if I feel that certain provisions of the Electoral Act are breached,” Enang stated.
Reflecting on his years in public service, the former National Assembly member said his 26 years of political representation were devoted to aligning Akwa Ibom State with Federal Government policies.
“Through our politics and advocacy in our 26 years of political representation in the National Assembly, we aligned Akwa Ibom State with the policies of the Federal Government, to the extent that the state is now not only talking about the ARISE Agenda, but also about ARISE with Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He also commended the organisers for the theme of the event: “From Insight to Action: The Role of the Media in Shaping the ARISE Agenda Legacy.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Bassey Anthony, thanked guests and media colleagues for their support, describing their presence as a reflection of the high regard they have for the media as partners in progress.
“We do not take this for granted. Your presence is deeply appreciated. I also thank the NUJ and our colleagues from other chapels for their solidarity tonight,” he said.
Delivering the keynote lecture on “The Role of the Media in Shaping the ARISE Agenda Legacy in Akwa Ibom State,” Dr Emmanuel Abraham, Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Topfaith Group of Schools and Topfaith University, urged journalists to help transform the ARISE Agenda from a policy framework into a living reality for the people.
According to him, the media should focus on developmental journalism that highlights improved welfare, inclusive growth, rural development, agriculture, infrastructure maintenance, security, and educational and health advancement. “Overall, journalism in the ARISE Agenda should not only inform, entertain, and educate, but inspire,” Abraham said.
He further called on the press to intensify public enlightenment, promote accountability and transparency, provide feedback reporting, and strengthen the citizens-government relationship.
The event also featured a dinner, awards presentation to deserving individuals and organisations, the launch of the solar power project, and the unveiling of the 6th edition of Critique Magazine published by the Correspondents’ Chapel.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki.
