I keep asking myself who really hired or recommended these media aides serving in the Cross River State Government? There is a huge difference between being articulate and being a professional.
Sadly, many of the media aides in the current administration fall into the category of being very articulate but lacking the professionalism, discipline, and understanding their roles demand.
Media aides are not supposed to be political campaigners, or attack other elected officials. Their responsibility, and mandate is clear to project the image, achievements, and policies of His Excellency, Governor Prince Bassey Otu, and the government he leads. It is too bad and frankly sad that some of them do exactly the opposite.
Just recently, a journalist from Delta State called me asking where she could get reliable updates on the Cross River State Government. I was embarrassed because there is no solid or consistent source to point her to. In this digital age, government visibility is critical, yet this administration’s media team is falling short.
Maybe some of these media aides don’t fully understand their roles or haven’t even read what their employment letters require. If that’s the case, they should go back to their letters and do so immediately. This is a public service position, not a personal platform.
Even worse, some aides have made others more popular than the governor himself. A glance at their social media shows very little about government activities. Instead, personal posts, political maneuvering, and attacks on fellow government officials dominate.
This is unacceptable.
The Cross River State Government must urgently restructure and retrain its media team. Professionals not just articulate voices must be appointed and properly equipped to do their jobs.
Governor Prince Bassey Otu is working hard for the people. His media aides must do their part by telling his story clearly, consistently, and professionally.
It’s time to get serious and get it right. The future of the administration and the image of Cross River State depend on it.
Asuquo Cletus Felix writes from the trenches.
