-As INPA faults govt’s handling of journalists’ welfare, urges Gov Eno to approve immediate payment
Journalists in Akwa Ibom State who receive monthly stipends from the state government for their support are facing mounting financial pressure following five months of non-payment arrears, with the delay coming at a time when many families are grappling with the expenses associated with the resumption of schools.
The stipends, which have reportedly been made to selected journalists over the years since the administration of former Governor Victor Attah, are intended to support journalists covering government activities in the state. The payments are usually processed through the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
According to information obtained by The Guide Newspaper, the stipends have not been paid for over five months now, as journalists who approached the Chief Press Secretary over the delay were reportedly told that Governor Umo Eno had not approved the release of the funds.
The prolonged delay has left affected journalists concerned about their welfare, particularly as the new school term has increased the financial demands on families. Some beneficiaries believe the outstanding payments would have helped them settle school fees and other essential expenses for their children.
When contacted by The Guide Newspaper for comments on the unpaid arrears, members of the Governor’s media management team did not respond to inquiries on the matter.
The development has drawn criticism from the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (INPA), which condemned what it described as the treatment and ridicule of journalists in Akwa Ibom State under the current administration, particularly by the Governor’s media managers.
The Chairman of INPA’s Board of Trustees, Akparawa Prince Emmanuel Sam, called on Governor Eno to pay greater attention to the welfare of journalists and newspaper publishers in the state, urging him not to rely solely on the advice of his media aides.
Akparawa Prince Emmanuel Sam maintained that the government should address the outstanding payments rather than allow the situation to persist, especially at a time when journalists and publishers are dealing with significant financial pressures.
He also questioned the disparity between the financial resources allegedly available to government media managers and the difficulties faced by journalists waiting for relatively small stipends.
According to him, journalists and publishers should not have to beg for payments intended to support their work and welfare, while those managing the government’s media affairs are perceived to enjoy substantial financial benefits.
He urged Governor Eno to approve the release of the five months’ unpaid Danjuma arrears, stressing that the money would provide timely relief to beneficiaries struggling to meet their family responsibilities following the resumption of schools.
He further expressed concern that the conduct of the Governor’s media aides, as alleged by INPA, could worsen public perceptions of the administration rather than help address its communication challenges.
The association called on the Governor to intervene and ensure that the outstanding payments are released to the affected journalists and publishers, while also giving greater consideration to their welfare.
For the affected beneficiaries, the immediate concern remains the payment of the five months’ arrears. They are appealing to Governor Eno to approve the funds and bring an end to the prolonged wait.
