The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comrade Chris Isiguzo has cautioned practising Journalists in Kogi State to be wary of political stage actors who will hide under the canopy of sentiment to usurp power in order to milk the state.
He gave the warning against the background of the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Kogi State during the 2023 press week /book launch organized by the Kogi State Council of NUJ on Wednesday in Lokoja.
According to him, it is pertinent for Journalists to understand the constitutional responsibility of the media in ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance, urging newsmen in Kogi State not to promote primordial sentiment or heeding to the whips and caprices of some political stage actors who are only contenders and not contestants.
“At this time as a journalist, you will see all manners of political actors who are only actors on stage and when you see actors like that their aim is to milk the people and the state.
“We must not bend roles because somebody is your friend or from your area who wants to enthrone a system that will not continue to sustain the peace, unity and progress of the outgoing administration especially in the areas of security and infrastructure development.
“We must ensure that in our reportage we promote the culture and aspiration of the people of Kogi State by promoting issues that will pave room for the development of the state and you should bear in mind that at the end of the election whoever emerges will govern the entire state and not a section of the state,” he said.
Speaking on the launching of a book titled, ‘Media Development in Kogi State, 1999-2023’, the NUJ President said the book is a remarkable literary endeavor that captures the evolution of media in the state in twenty-four years.
“The pages of this book are not mere narratives; they hold the collective wisdom, insights, and experiences of generations of journalists who have tirelessly pursued the truth, challenged societal norms, and strived for a more transparent and accountable society.
“In a world where information knows no bounds, where news stories travel at the speed of light, we, as journalists, bear an immense responsibility. Our duty to report accurately, fairly, and fearlessly is our pledge to the public, a covenant that underscores the importance of our role in shaping public discourse, influencing policy, and fostering social change. The stories we tell, the issues we highlight, and the voices we amplify contribute to the fabric of our society’s narrative,” he stated.
The NUJ President commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his efforts and commitments toward the development of Kogi State.
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