Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, has reaffirmed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration’s openness to fair criticism, warning that deliberate fabrication of information could mislead the public and damage reputations.
Mefor made this known in Awka while receiving the Nigeria Press Council’s Liaison Officer in Anambra State, Mrs Vivian Okafor, who paid him a courtesy visit.
The commissioner assured the council of the state government’s willingness to collaborate with it in promoting responsible journalism, combating fake news and improving standards in the print media.
He described the ministry’s role as strategic communication, explaining that it involves making government information accessible to the public and addressing negative perceptions arising from mistrust.
Mefor said the Soludo administration was pursuing a long term development agenda for Anambra State, known as Anambra 2070, building on the Anambra Vision 2070 framework developed under former Governor Willie Obiano, with Soludo serving as its chairman at the time.
He noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and public services included developments in roads, healthcare and education.
The commissioner emphasised that fair criticism was essential to democracy and could help government identify areas requiring improvement. However, he cautioned against presenting unverified claims as facts.
Citing reports questioning the structural integrity of the Ekwulobia flyover, Mefor argued that such claims should be supported by appropriate technical assessments rather than speculation.
He added that the ministry would work with the Nigeria Press Council to organise training for journalists on responsible reporting and the distinction between legitimate criticism and deliberate misinformation.
Earlier, Okafor said the council planned to begin visiting newspaper organisations in Anambra State to collect and monitor their publications as part of efforts to promote accuracy and authenticity in print journalism.
She also disclosed plans to collaborate with the South East Development Commission on training journalists in election monitoring and reportage.
Okafor expressed the council’s readiness to work with the state Ministry of Information in areas where cooperation could strengthen professional journalism.
The proposed partnership is expected to promote media accountability, improve reporting standards and encourage accurate information dissemination across Anambra State.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
