ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has urged journalists across the country to intensify efforts through their reportage in uniting the nation which according to him is too divisive, and not good for development.
Governor Okowa was speaking at the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, held yesterday in Asaba, Delta State.
While imploring journalists to be nationalistic in their approach to issues, the Delta State Governor called on the leadership of the union to initiate reforms or moves that would bring back dignity, integrity, professionalism and discipline to the profession.
Governor Okowa represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu posited that journalists as the fourth estate of the realm should brace up to meet the expectation of the public.
”I want to urge us as journalists to help to further unite the country. Our country is too divided. We have become too ethnocentric. When do we graduate to becoming patriotic?
“As we begin to think of who becomes our President in 2023, individuals are already thinking of ethnic group they know, as if President Buhari who is from Daura in Katsina has made the whole of Katsina to become heaven, as if Jonathan became President, and the whole of Bayelsa became heaven, as if when Obasanjo was President, the whole of Ogun State became heaven.
“Why do we resort to this issue, of he is from my place, instead of deciding on individual who has been able to show competence over the years. It is unfortunate that journalists are joining in that circle of discourse, Okowa said.
He stated further:” I don’t have any problem if Peter Obi or a northerner, or a person from other part of the country becomes the next President, not that I am campaigning for any. What we want is the President that would make the country to work, and that President that makes the country to work does not necessarily have to be your brother.”
On insecurity plaguing the country, Governor Okowa challenged NUJ NEC to take advantage of the gathering to proffer solution, saying that no state is spared hundred per cent as the degree varies.
He tasked the body to promote issues of national development as well as the welfare of its members.
Speaking earlier as the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu commended the leadership of NUJ for holding its NEC meeting in Asaba.
Aniagwu stressed the need for the body to rid of quacks from the profession, and adhere strictly to the entry requirement.
President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo said the NEC meeting provided a platform for them to review activities of the union and chart the way forward.
Isiguzo hinted that issues of insecurity and Covid-19 pandemic would also be on the front burner.
In an address of welcome, Chairman of NUJ, Delta State, Mike Ikeogwu commended the state government for its support for the council and sued for its sustenance.
