Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello has said no government can succeed in delivering of the desired dividends of democracy without an input from the media.
Governor Bello stated this during the 3rd annual GYB seminar for Nigeria’s political and crime correspondents/editors held in Abuja on Friday and Saturday.
According to him, partnership with the fourth estate of the realm remained a recipe for enhancing the capacity and performance of any individual who occupies public offices.
The governor who was delighted over the performance of the media as the watch dogs of the society, stated that the media through their accolades and criticisms of his government have helped him to executive more laudable projects for the people in his second term in office.
“As a leader, I have no reason not to partner with the media being the mirror image of the society,” he said.
He assured that whether in or out of office, he would remain vocal in defence of the masses.
Earlier, the President Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, commended the Governor for the sustained support towards developing the capacities of journalists, saying the investment has an immense impact on the growth of democracy in the country.
He added that the seminar would equipped the media professionals to sharpen their tools in reporting accurately.
The immediate past President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Mustapha Isah said the state governor was finishing his administration on a strong note with numerous good initiatives and people oriented projects.
He said while the state, alongside Beyelsa and Imo is billed to conduct off season election, political actors should desist from heating the polity with certain negative comments in the media space while journalist should also avoid giving such politicians and their dangerous content public exposure.
In a paper presented by the Special Adviser to Kogi state governor on security, Mr Jerry Omadara reiterated the commitment of the state government towards ensuring peace in the state.
Commander Omodara urged security agencies to remain apolitical in discharging their constitutional responsibilities before, during and after the forthcoming November, 11 Governorship election.
“Let campaign be issue based and the people of Kogi State decide the winner”.
“Again, let me warn that we will not lose sight of securing the State. Let me also advise serving and retired security personnel to avoid illegal deployment to Kogi State, unauthorized deployments during campaign and election to the State must be avoided” he stated.