Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state, North East Nigeria has called on journalists in the country to ensure that the principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in the coverage of political campaigns and activities are observed ahead of the coverage of the 2023 general elections.
The governor who made the call while declaring open, FCT Minister’s Press Corps Retreat held in Bauchi said journalists must also eschew mischief and inflammatory reports and stories by shunning bias reporting of events and remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.
He said the theme of the retreat which is “The Role of Residents, the Media and FCT Administration in holding Area Council Chairmen Accountable to Service Provision and Infrastructure Delivery” is quite apt and timely, pointing out that, as the fourth estate of the realm, the media is duty bound to ensure good governance through effective and efficient service delivery by administrations at all levels.”
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said beside playing the role of watchdog of the society, there is need for journalists to be above board in their utterances and conduct.
“The media and government are partners in progress. This symbiotic relationship is very much respected in Bauchi State, especially during my tenure as the Chief Executive when the two arms are working closely to uplift and unite the people for the overall development of the State.
“This is clearly manifested in the complementary role being played by the media in the various developmental programmes and projects of our Administration since our assumption of office over three years ago.
“I am happy to note that the thinking of professional unions like yours, is moving from being confrontational with governments of the day to a focused and result orientated initiative through organizing discussions, seminars, retreats and importantly public lectures on relevant journalistic topics, just like the one of today.”
Governor Bala Mohammed told the visitors that the media industry in Bauchi State is receiving government’s attention as currently, the State owned Media Houses of BATV and BRC are undergoing total renovation and upgrade.
