Speak truth to power and hold leaders accountable – Universities are cracking down on journalists
Former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Shola Omotola has charged Nigerian journalists to always speak truth to power.
He called on political leaders to be held accountable if real development is to be achieved in the country.
The university don said this in a paper presented at a retreat held by the Senate Press Corps in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Saturday.
In his paper titled “The developmental impact of the executive branch on democracy in Nigeria from 1999 to 2024,” Omotola notes that successive governments elected at the federal level since May 1999 have He said he had tried to influence development across sectors through implementation, but had failed. field of poverty alleviation.
He opined that the failure of past democratic regimes to effectively tackle poverty has long led to flaws in the concept of democracy and the aspirations of the people.
According to him, the theme of the retreat, “Democracy and Development: How Far So Far for Nigeria?”, is very relevant, timely and compelling.
He said: “Democracy and development are inextricably linked and must flow together and that is why Nigerian journalists need to speak truth to power to make Nigeria that way. That's the reason,” he said.
“Development is basically about helping people reach an acceptable standard of living and the basic needs they need to live decently, such as housing, housing, clothing, food, a nutritionally balanced diet, potable water, and a clean environment. It's about getting something.
“From corruption to bad policies and more, all these obstacles in Nigeria need to be exposed from time to time by journalists who are the watchdogs of society.”
However, Omotola added that Nigeria's practice of democracy for over 24 years while maintaining its statehood shows that development is bound to continue.
In his remarks at the retreat, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Media and Publicity Committee, APC Ekiti South, Senator Yemi Adalamodu, said that under his leadership, the Senate will not be able to access information from any journalist. He also said that he would not deny access. Ventilation to the greater society as provided for in the Freedom of Information Act.
Also, National Assembly Secretary Sani Magaji Tambawal, represented by Research and Information Commissioner Ali Umar, said that the parliamentary administration would continue to provide a conducive working environment for journalists as democracy provides a more favorable environment for development. , a very balanced and objective reportage.
Source: dailypost.ng