Joseph Kanjo, Benin
… ‘We Are Breeding New Journalism’ – NUJ Chairman
Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that the media would benefit most if demorcacy is sustained in the country, adding that if the military comes back to power everyone including the media would feel the heat.
Comrade Shaibu who disclosed this in Benin on Monday while hosting journalists at his annual breakfast with media practitioners at his residence, said the media, being a catalyst for democracy, has a very critical role to play in governance.
While urging journalists to abide by the rules of engagement by balancing every story written, Shaibu admitted that him, being the Deputy Governor of the state was as a result of an investigative journalism carried out by an NUJ member when he was detained during the military junta.
According to him, “I have also use myself as an example on what a professional journalism is and what a true whistle blower is.
“I am deputy governor today courtesy of a member of Nigeria Union of Journalists that had to go out to declare that ‘some persons have been detained for over a month, while the military claim no one was left in detention. so if you say nobody is left in detention, that is no true, some persons are still detained in the prison,’ he listed the names.
“Your pen can help to repair; your pen can help destroy. It will benefit you most when democracy is sustained. This is because if those military come back, you and I would be in trouble.
“Your role is very critical; your role is very vital. And just like we all know, if you don’t play that role well, a lot of things would be damaged; a lot of things will spoil. Government will not be put on its toe to know that things are going wrong,” he said.
While commenting on the new Edo NUJ executive, the Deputy Governor expressed optimism that the Alenkhe-led executive would take the council to an enviable heights.
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Earlier in his remarks, chairman, Edo NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, declared a new breed in the council.
He urged Edo State Government to partner with the NUJ with a view to building a synergy that would benefit both parties.
“We want to build a new NUJ. The idea of giving us fish is over, we want us to be taught how to fish.
“Come to the press centre and see the expanse of land their and see how you can develop a portion for a choice project.
On the need for a stable power supply at the NUJ premises, Alenkhe made this demand, ” Your Excellency, Osoma power plant should be extended to the NUJ as it to NBA and other places.”
News5 days ago
