By Balarabe Oshiafi
The in-coming Governor of Edo State whose government will be inaugurated on November 12, 2024, Monday Okpewholo has asked Journalists to continue to demonstrate exemplary contributions to concretizing democracy even with regards to changing leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Official reports say the admonition was engendered by the on-going campaign of the members of the Edo State Chapter of NUJ to elect new executives.
A statement signed by a dexterous Journalist and staunch supporter of the governor-elect, Sebastine Ebhuomhan, said, “Okpebholo extolled the virtues of journalists not only as watchdogs of the human society but also as the drivers of human development and progress, which any government cannot take for granted. He underlined the sacrifices and progress past and present executives and members of the union have made to reposition journalism in Edo State so as to make its practice ethical and professional.
“The Governor-elect therefore urged journalists in Edo State to use the 2024 election to reflect on how to collaborate with the coming administration for the interest and uplifting of the people by shunning all acts of tension, attacks, division, bigotry, disunity and violence that are often associated with elections. Advising journalists to always strive for objective and balanced reports, he reiterated the readiness of his government to work with journalists and the media for the collective interest and advancement of Edo people.
Okpebholo said, “As members of the Fourth Estate, journalists sacrifice a lot to educate the public about life, events, issues, policies, programmes and people, and how people’s lives are affected. After they have thoroughly researched the subject, they use the result they have to write an article for the press or produce informative piece for radio, television or the internet. They are important stakeholders the society cannot do without.
“Journalists are critical stakeholders of Edo State. Historically, Edo State has produced some of the most courageous, ethical, professional, patriotic and awarded journalists known to this country and the world.
“My government will actively collaborate with the media union and employers of journalists, by providing a conducive environment for the members in our new Edo State. Journalists will be accorded due respect under my watch. I therefore urge you all to campaign and conduct your election peacefully, freely, fairly, and credibly because as the eye of the state, you are all winners, whatever the result.”
Okpebholo, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 291, 667 votes to defeat 16 other pollical parties’ candidates in the keenly contested, peaceful, free, fair and credible Edo State governorship election the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted on Saturday, 21st September, 2024.
Akpakomiza, as Okpebholo is popularly called, is preparing for the swearing-in ceremony of his four-year term on Tuesday, 12th November.
The triennial Edo NUJ election comes up in December. The incumbent Chairman, Mr. Festus Alenkhe of EBS TV and a former Secretary-General, Comrade Titus Akhigbe of Daily Times, face-off in a chairmanship contest while Ms. Maureen Mwine of Edo State Information and Ms. Ede Agho of the NTA square for the vice chairmanship contest.
“All the other officers returned unopposed” he said.
