ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general elections, stakeholders have urged journalists on good reportage, truth, transparency and accuracy.
According to them, journalists are the eyes through which the public see, to know the happenings around them and in the country at large.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Press Week/Commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Press Center, Enugu State on Friday, the Chairman of the Occasion, Hon Barr Nwabueze Ugwu, described journalism as a noble profession.
Ugwu in the remarks encouraged the media to take their noble profession very seriously, and always stand on the side of truth.
His words, “Stand in the truth, and not allow anyone intimidate you. It is only the journalist that will tell the truth and on the truth we stand.
“The 2023 is very important, so we take our destiny in our own hands.”
In his keynote address, Prof I Ibeawuchi said the burden of electing good and qualified president or leader at various levels lies on the journalists.
He said, “Nigeria is pregnant again to produce the next leader. However, the task lies on the press. It is for all of us to see something, do something and say something.”
Ibeawuchi urged journalists to desist from making too many friends and forgeting their duty, saying that media consciousness is very important.
Also, the National President, NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo speaking on the theme of the event, “The Media and Political Leaders: Friends or Foes”, noted that the media has active role to play in the political system, through fair reporting.
Isiguzo said it is the media that influences the availablity of choice of candidates in election, through their reporting, and urged them to be mindful of what they report.
He described political leaders are the primary holders, controllers and or distributors of powers and resources in a particular institution or territory, adding that they drive the process of government in any given situation.
He enjoined journalists to promote government that is responsible and responsive to the people.
In address, the Chairman, NUJ Enugu State Council, Comrade Sam Udekwe, said journalists should bear in mind that they are endowed with the blessing of being an arm of the government.
Udekwe urged journalists to maintain decency and moderation while carrying out their duties as their saddled with the responsibility of a watchdog by hold govern accountable to the people.
He further thanked the Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who according to him, had yearned for a peaceful community of journalists in the state since inception of his administration in 2015.
He also applauded the Governor for his help and intervention, in renovating the Press Center, among others.