By Solomon Azu, Calabar
Chairman of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON, Sir Tony Akiotu, has described Cross River State under Governor Bassey Otu as a model of peace, harmony and visible development.
Akiotu said this at the opening ceremony of the 82nd General Assembly of BON held Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Hogis Royale Hotel, Calabar, with theme centred on national interest.
“Whether you arrive in Cross River by air, road or water, the first thing you experience is an atmosphere of peace, serenity and harmony, complemented by remarkable development. Development thrives in a peaceful environment, and Cross River under Governor Otu is a typical example,” Akiotu said.
He noted this is the second time the state is hosting the BON Assembly after the 61st edition in March 2014, saying each time members gather in Calabar they meet people radiating love and government improving living conditions.
He lauded Otu’s achievements in youth development, women empowerment, health, education, agriculture and tourism, noting BON conferred on him the Best Governor in Tourism Award in April after due diligence showed Cross River as Primus Inter Pares.
On national security, Akiotu commended President Bola Tinubu for political will to confront insecurity and hailed gallant officers of the Armed Forces, Police, and DSS, while calling for a minute of silence for military personnel who died in a plane crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State last Monday.
He commended INEC under Prof. Joash Amupitan for efforts toward free, fair elections and urged a level playing field and adequate technical preparation for 2027 polls.
Akiotu appealed to governments and security agencies to allow the media to perform their constitutional role without harassment, decrying rising sponsored arrests, intimidation and detention of journalists, warning against thuggery and invasion of media houses during electioneering.
Lamenting the harsh economy, he said many radio and TV stations have shut down or cut transmission hours due to high diesel costs, epileptic power, tariffs and naira devaluation making the import of equipment difficult, calling on the Federal Government to come up with a deliberate rescue policy.
“Private media houses disseminate government activities without charge. State governments should extend a hand of support to private stations in their domains,” he appealed, while thanking Otu for support to state media.
He urged broadcast CEOs to ensure balanced, accurate news, saying accuracy differentiates mainstream media from social media, and that the rush for breaking news must be anchored on authenticity and public interest.
