Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged editors in Nigeria to embrace development journalism through constructive criticism of the government for national unity and development.
Uzodimma stated this while addressing editors at the 2023 National Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Owerri, on Friday.
According to report, the year 2023 NGE Biennial Convention will also feature an election of executives of the guild.
The convention is themed: “Post-2023 Election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance “.
The governor thanked the editors for creditably discharging their duties during the 2023 General Elections and urged them to work for the sustainability of the nation’s democracy and continued survival.
He also advised journalists to be wary of information fed to the public as such information can either make or mar Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, no democracy is perfect, and we should be patient and work to encourage the populace to be patient in their expectations.
“We have a huge complex population and stories and ideas filed by the media readily become a point of reference.
“What the citizens are fed, can make or mar our democracy because the pen is mightier than the sword.
“We can hardly rise above our environment but there is a need for improvement because our democracy is a work in progress, with its transformative ingredients being refined daily “, he said.
He assured the editors of the continued commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his political party to encouraging constructive journalism which in turn strengthens democracy.
“The APC will never impede the work of journalists. We need the media to strengthen our democracy but we must all work together to ensure its protection and survival.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs your support, encouragement, and constructive criticism and we must manage post-election reactions and grow our democracy together, “ he said.
He commended the outgoing President of the NGE, Mr Mustapha Isah, for graciously serving the Guild and humbly stepping aside after only one tenure in office.