By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Road and Public Information), Hon. Charles Aniagwu, has disclosed that the state Government under the leadership of Sheriff Oborewvori valued the partnership it’s had with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State, especially in informing the public of the numerous works the state Governor has done.
Addressing journalists at the NUJ press week in Asaba, the Commissioner hinted that section 22 of the Nigerian constitution is obvious on the responsibility of the media to hold Government accountable to the people.
He said, Holding Government accountable to the people means that you want Government to ensure that the money that belongs to the people works for the people so that the value is attached to any responsibility or policy that the Government initiates per time
He said “There are numbers of ways the media can collaborate with any administration. In the first place, like I mentioned earlier, Section 22 of the Nigerian constitution is clear on the responsibility of the media to hold government accountable to the people.”
“Holding Government accountable to the people means that you want government to ensure that the money that belongs to the people works for the people so that value is attached to any responsibility or policy that the government initiates per time.”
“And then in our own specific case, the MORE Agenda speaks to the issues that affect our people, whether in the area of welfare, which is captured in the opportunities for all, or in the area of infrastructure, which is captured in meaningful development, or in the area of reform that is realistic, such as the one you are talking about.”
“Even the area that is most important, as stated in section 14, paragraph 2, of the Nigerian constitution, which deals with security, that you have to enhance peace and security for the people to function well and effectively.”
“Once the media can point out those things and not play politics with those who are playing politics.”
“Politicians are free to play politics, but the media must not navigate into that murky water because once they do, they will have lost that ability to discharge that responsibility that is assigned to them in section 22 of the Nigerian constitution.”
“So, as long as you continue to inform Government of the needs of the people without doing so to benefit a few but to benefit the majority, you have assisted the government.”
“As long as you can inform members of the public about the integrity of Government policies and programmes you have also assisted government.”
“So we will not ask you to come and be a propaganda tool for the Government; we want you to partner with the Government, particularly our government. We don’t need propaganda; we have gotten enough evidence in terms of work done in just about two and a half years to be able to speak to the minds of the people.”
All we want is for you to convey all Oborewvori has done in the 25 local Government areas to the public; you already recognized from this award that the Governor has shown prudence. We value the partnership that exists between us.
About the Author
