Cross River journalist and activist Agba Jalingo has called on Governor Bassey Otu to drastically reduce the number of media and communication aides attached to his administration, arguing that the large structure is creating confusion rather than improving government communication.
Jalingo made the call in an opinion piece titled “Your Excellency, Fire Them NOW!”, where he compared Cross River’s media structure with that of Lagos State.
He argued that Lagos operates a more centralised communication system, with the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity serving as the key point of coordination, while other media aides work under the direction of the office.
Jalingo said Cross River, despite having a much smaller population, has what he described as “up to, if not more than 30” people occupying various media and communication positions around the governor.
The governor appointed Linus Obogo as Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in June 2025, while Nsa Gill was appointed Special Adviser on Public Affairs.
The administration has also made several other appointments within its media structure, including positions covering electronic media, new media, communication, media advocacy, content development, public orientation, strategic communications, broadcast media and other specialised areas.
Jalingo, however, criticised what he described as the proliferation of titles and independent communication channels, alleging that some aides issue statements and use letterheads without proper authorisation.
He further claimed that some aides continue to release materials or grant interviews despite an alleged directive that government communication should receive clearance from the Chief Press Secretary or Commissioner for Information.
According to Jalingo, the situation has created a media team where “everybody is his or her own boss,” resulting in conflicting messages and what he described as unnecessary confrontations.
His criticism comes shortly after Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, held a meeting with media and communications aides and charged them to work together, improve government visibility and “earn” their pay. The commissioner also called for greater synergy among members of the communication cluster.
Jalingo said his foundation had previously organised training for the aides but argued that the problems within the communication structure remained.
He urged Governor Otu to reorganise the information management team into what he described as a “lean and small coterie of professionals”, saying this would make it easier to coordinate and disseminate government messages.
He also argued that reducing the number of media aides would save public resources and allow some of those currently holding media positions to be redeployed to areas where they could be more productive.
Jalingo stressed that the criticism was his personal opinion.
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