Hold public officers accountable for good governance – Gov Alia

The governor of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called on the Nigeria media to hold public officers and the society at large accountable in order to achieve good governance.

The governor stated this during the presentation of award of excellence to him and some journalist who had made positive impact through their investigative  reportage in commemoration of the National Union of Journalist press freedom and good governance day held in Abuja.

The event also had notable Nigerians who were honored for their contribution in Nation building.

According to the governor, journalist make selfless sacrifices to make the society a better place hence should be celebrated and given all the needed support to succeed.

He said “A journalist has a life that cannot be easily understood. If you’re not transparent. If you’re not responsible. If you are not up to defending the masses and human rights, you can never be a friend of a journalist because they will expose you.

“A journalist is a student of a critical school not only of criticism, but ensuring what what the society must have, should have. And everyone is a member of the society and so should also go all round, safe life, same justice, and same death of ownership, not only of the earth, but only of the society but of life general.

“What you do to us tonight, is way beyond tonight. I am emotionally indebted to what this organization is elated to do because when you work, having known that you’re doing it not to be recognized. You are doing it because it is a duty call. You are doing it because it is a divine obligation for you to do just what you ate doing. And then someone watching from somewhere sees it, records it, acknowledges it, it is something of huge magnitude.

“I‘ll never stop saying this. We all have a role to play in democracy and democracy must be fought for, democracy must be defended. I remain indebted to this organization and to all people of goodwill out there who are at tenent and different platforms of defending democracy.

“I  thank you for this night. You have put Benue state on the radar and what you do tonight will be some incentive for us to go and do some more and not only put Benue at the national platter but to ensure that Benue assumes the international radar on responsibility and accountability on transparency and on good governance

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the governments commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting diverse opinions, and protecting the rights of journalists.

According to him, in  the face of an environmental crisis, journalists emerge as guardians of truth and champions of accountability. They illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.

“Through their investigative reporting, they hold governments and corporate organizations accountable for their actions and advocate for policies that promote sustainability and safeguard our planet.

“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority areas, which include restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media. It underscores the crucial role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis.

“Throughout history, the media, as custodians of truth and catalysts for social change, has steadfastly advocated for accountability, hovering over the actions of individuals, governments, and corporations alike.

“In this moment of environmental crisis, the role of media transcends mere reporting; it embodies a commitment to mobilizing mass action for the common good. With the power to inform, educate, and inspire, the media has the unparalleled ability to ignite movements, elevate voices, and effectuate behavioral change toward the environment.

“As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, we must reflect on the fundamental importance of a free and independent press in fostering democracy, promoting transparency, and safeguarding human rights.

He further stated that Journalism serves as the cornerstone of democracy by providing a vital platform for the dissemination of information, the exchange of ideas, and holding those in power accountable.

He said the Nigerian media in particular, served as the vanguard for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy in this country, and on an occasion like this, we pay glowing tribute to your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to journalistic excellence.

“As the Minister of Information and National Orientation, I want to reaffirm our sustained commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting diverse opinions, and protecting the rights of journalists. Let us redouble our efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come.

“As we do our work, we must also bear in mind that Nigeria, our immediate environment, is what we must first protect from the excesses of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

National president , Nigeria Union of Journalist, Chris Isiguzo in his welcome remark called on the government at a level to supports journalist to bring about good governance .

“Journalists are at the forefront of the battle against environmental degradation, using the pen and the camera to raise awareness, expose environmental injustices and advocate for sustainable solutions. It is through their courageous reporting that we can hope to mobilize action and effect change for the betterment of our planet and future generations.

“The impact of journalism cannot be overstated. It is the journalist who brings to light the stories that matter, who gives voice to the marginalized, and who holds the powerful accountable. It is the journalist who stands as a sentinel against tyranny and oppression, who champions the cause of justice and human rights. In every corner of our nation, journalists are the unsung heroes, the torchbearers of truth and freedom.

“We gather to honor the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth, justice, and freedom, let us also reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and good governance. Let us recognize that press freedom is not a privilege but a right, not a luxury but a necessity. Let us pledge to defend and protect the freedoms that we hold dear, for they are the foundation upon which our democracy rests.

” At the same time, good governance is not merely an abstract concept; it is the bedrock upon which our society is built. It is the guarantee of fairness, transparency and accountability in the conduct of public affairs. The Good Governance Awards that we present tonight serve as a testament of our commitment to promoting good governance and holding our leaders accountable.