Uzodimma declares Editors’ conference open

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged media practitioners, particularly members of the Guild of Editors, not to compare their election with the scope of national general elections in the country.

Uzodimma said this on Friday while declaring the conference open in Owerri.

On the theme of the conference, “post 2023 election promoting professionalism for enhancement of democracy and good governance, the Governor noted that the scope of national elections cannot be the same with that of the Editors election.

He argued that the election of the Editors can be held in one room whereas the national elections are held through out the country

He said: “you said you came to Imo state to conduct your election so as to teach politicians how to conduct credible and transparent election”.

He however faulted the Editors stand adding that he does not think that conducting the Editors election can be compared with the conduct of the national general elections which has larger scope than that of the Editors.

He called for patience for the Nigeria’s democracy pointing out that the nation’s democracy was and will one day get to the expected level

The Governor noted some challenges facing the nation’s democracy and pleaded with the Editors not to judge the democracy with the shortcomings believing that much improvement would come

He said, “Democracy in developed world also had such challenges at their growing level before they got to where they are today, I believe that our democracy would get their some day.”

The Governor urged the Editors not to celebrate or amplify the challenges facing the nation’s democracy but rather exercise patience with politicians and the democracy

Uzodinma said that his administration has built a lot of major roads while a lot more are in progress

He explained that his administration has kept to it’s 3rs mantra in developing the state

In his message, the National president of the Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ), Comrd Chris Isiguzo, noted that the theme of the conference, ‘Post-2023 Elections: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance,’ actually encapsulates the essence of the shared responsibilities as custodians of the fourth estate.

He said that in a rapidly evolving media landscape, where information flows at an unprecedented pace, the role of journalism in shaping democracy and good governance has never been more critical.

He said: “We, as journalists, bear the immense responsibility of providing accurate, reliable, and unbiased news to the public, thereby fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation in the affairs of our nation.”

Isiguzo also noted that the 2023 elections marked a crucial turning point for our democracy while stating the need for the media to recommit themselves to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.

He said: “We must be the vanguards of truth, holding those in power accountable while providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives”

The NUJ Boss said that the conference serves as a testament to the media collective dedication to excellence and the pursuit of knowledge.

He called for collaboration and foster partnerships not only within the ranks but also with other stakeholders in the democratic process adding that engaging with civil society organizations, government agencies, and international bodies will enable the media to build bridges and amplify the collective impact

According to him doing so can create an enabling environment that upholds press freedom, protects journalists’ rights, and ensures the sustainability of our profession.

Isiguzo charged the editors to reflect on the theme of the conference, and remember that the future of democracy and good governance rests upon their shoulders pointing out commitment to professionalism will shape the narratives, influence public opinion, and help forge a society that thrives on transparency, inclusivity, and justice.

The president therefore extended his gratitude to the leadership and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors for providing this platform for dialogue and introspection. Let us seize this opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and chart a path forward that harnesses the transformative power of journalism”