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By Uwem Ekoh
The Accountant General of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Uwem Andrew- Essien has advised practicing Journalists in the state to adhere strictly to all forms of ethical standards in the journalism profession.
He gave the advice during a One- Day Workshop on Financial Reporting organised by The Dune Newspapers and The Dune Magazine for select Journalists in the state last week in Uyo.
He urged Journalists to carry out their civil responsibilities in order to build, unite and not to write to wreck havoc, chaos and war in the state
The AG who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Office the Accountant General, said Journalists should endeavour to verify information from appropriate quarters, before going to the press, so as not to mislead the public.
He said, ” journalists should verify information from appropriate quarters before going to the press, in order not to mislead the public, who are depending on them for update on programmes, policies and activities of government”.
He further charged the leadership of the journalism profession to do everything within its power to check quackery and rid- off the bad eggs from the profession.
He disclosed that the state has successfully implemented IPSAS Accrual Basis, adding that so far his office has prepared and published the first and second IPSAS Accrual Transitional Financial Statement.
Other achievements and innovations of the office of the Accountant General according to him include, hoisting of the account of the state on a website for transparency, timely payment of workers salaries, leave grants and other entitlements.
He further highlighted that his office has undertaken a systematic clearance of gratuities, pension arrears and en-bloc pension for retired civil servants are up to date in 2024 as well as periodic staff verification of weed out ghost workers/ pensioners.
The Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk in his remarks commended the initiative of organisers of the event and hoped that participants will take advantage of the workshop to raise their standard of reportage.
He assured that the union will continue to engage members in useful programmes and activities for optimal results.
Earlier, the convener, Comrade Abasifrke Effiong said the workshop was organised for select journalists in the state to build their knowledge on financial reporting.
Effiong who is the Chairman of the Unity Chapel of the NUJ, commended his members for the support and for ensuing that the event was successful.
