The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Friday, called on journalists and the media as a whole to to set agenda ahead of the 2023 elections. The governor also called on the media to also put politicians on their toes to ensure good leadership.
Bello made the call at the Second Annual GYB Seminar for Nigeria’s Political and Crime Correspondents in Abuja.
He said the categories of journalists were deliberately chosen to engage in the awareness campaign because no meaningful development would be made without partnering the media.
The governor said that the nation was in a very critical period because she was at the threshold of either getting on the right track or returning back to where she was in the past.
“No government or country can succeed without the media, however good the government may be, if the media does not carry out fair and just reportage we wont make any headway.
“All we are asking is to ensure that we have a society that is free of crimes, criminality, and it is good for all Nigerians.
“So, continue to put us on our toes at all times but be fair in your reportage, we are in political season, a transition system and we crave for good leadership.
“How you set the narrative, how you set the agenda will depend on the kind of leadership you will get at the end of the day. I know surely that myself and several others may have thrown our hats in the ring.
“So, we need you to be fair to each and every one of us, and to Nigerians to be able to select those who will lead the country after Muhammadu Buhari for another four to eight years and beyond,” he said.
Bello urged the media to report situations with wisdom and not be sensational, adding that although Nigeria was faced with some challenges, there were other countries that were facing even more challenges.
He also urged the media to curb fake news and misinformation to stall harm.
“So please, I crave your indulgence, let us continue to be patriotic. Nigeria is the only country we have and with good leadership, Nigeria will be the best country .
“However, you are the ones who is going to set the tone and the agenda for us to have that kind of leadership because you are a critical stakeholder.
“We need you to partner with us in this journey ahead in order that we have the kind of leadership we deserve,’’ he said
NAN
