C’River Govt vows to fight all enemies, crimes against Journalists 

By Ene Ene, Calabar

Cross River State government led by governor Bassey Edet Otu has said it will continue to fight all enemies of free press society that promotes discriminations and crimes against Journalists in the course of performing their legitimate duties.

The state government made this known in a statement 

signed by the Commissioner for information, Mr Erasmus Ekpang to commemorate this year’s world press Freedom Day.

The statement reads in part: “Cross River State Government join her voice in condemning the continued persecution of responsible Journalists by repressive governments around the globe, some leading to imprisonment and death of genuine Media Practitioners and call for total restraint”.

 “Government congratulates all Journalists on this special World Press Freedom Day 2024 with a renewed hope that the season of sweetness shall add greater value to this symbiotic relationship”.

This year’s edition being the 31st, with the theme, “A press for the planet; protecting journalists and scientists in defense of the Environment”

Ekpang further said: “it has become evident that a free press is one of the most effective mechanisms that we have for furthering the protection of journalists on the line of duty while ensuring the protection of the Environment”

 “Government hereby restate her pledge to ensure the continued existence of a free press in our dear State so that every journalist can operate without fear of molestation” he stated.

He assured the committed efforts of Governor Bassey Otu,’s administration to partner with the media and other relevant stakeholders to protect freedom of expression in the state.