CALABAR– It’s almost tragic Cross River State’s Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, seems to be the most uninformed occupant of that office in our history. If confusion were a job description, he’d be overqualified.
His role, at least on paper, is to manage government communications and shape the public image of the Governor. But in reality? His job has been reduced to signing pre-written press releases oh wait, can he even write them himself? Highly doubtful. And about that PhD? Let’s just say there’s a story behind the certificate and it’s not one you’d find in any academic journal.
Always appearing disheveled and unprepared, one might wonder if his wardrobe is suffering from the same confusion as his press statements. Perhaps he should spend less time meddling in irrelevant issues and more time changing his tailor or better still, understanding his job description.
These days, he acts more like the Commissioner for Orok Duke and Pius Ankpo Affairs than a spokesman for a sitting Governor. It’s baffling how a man whose office should project credibility is instead obsessed with defending political middlemen and concocting juvenile narratives.
Honestly, I’d be happy to challenge him to a simple two-minute debate and a speech writing contest. If he miraculously manages to win, I’ll reward him with ₦500,000 not for competence, but so he can upgrade that tired wardrobe and perhaps, finally, start dressing the part.
Now, let me remind Mr. Commissioner of his core responsibilities, which include:
Managing the image and communication strategy of the Governor, not local council chairmen.
Disseminating accurate, timely, and coordinated government information.
Engaging the media and public in a professional, fact-based manner.
Promoting transparency and public trust through clear and effective messaging.
Elevating the profile of the administration, not reducing it to back-alley gossip.
Until he learns to focus on these, Cross Riverians will keep asking: Who exactly is managing information for whom?
Joseph Edem Asuquo Ph.D., is a seasoned public analyst, he writes from Calabar, Cross River State
