The member representing Umunneochi State Constituency Hon Ume Mathias has Charged Journalists in the state to be credible in their resilience and exhibition of professionalism which is a great concern to common citizens.
Hon. Ume gave the charge during the 2024 Annual thanksgiving service of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia State council held on 22nd Wednesday 2024 in their chapter office in Umuahia.
The lawmaker expressed satisfaction with the press for the eight months since their assumption of office of Dr. Alex Otti led administration.
Ume urged the media not to hesitate to root out and expose lies, propaganda, hypocrisy nd corruption hence the need to be sure of its facts before doing such.
He further revealed that the present administration has an enormous task ahead, among which is the resurrection of what a former Governor of the Old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu Rtd. Referred to as “Virtually Dead State”.
Ume maintained that to achieve this, Journalists in the state have greater role to play adding that they have to make sure that citizens of the state are properly and correctly informed to avert from acting ignorantly or rather misinformed.
Again, in what he referred to as “checking function” whereby the people elected in the new Abia uphold their Oaths of office and carry out the wishes of Abians who elected them. Among others.
Finally, the lawmaker highlighted that for the media to perform optimally, it has to be encouraged maximally, stressing while advising government and those in public eyes that there is no need to fear or be defensive about the press. Saying, “If a politician dislike criticism from the press, then he is definitely in a wrong job”.
Earlier, The director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Rev Fr Leonard Ehiemere, while
Delivering a sermon on the topic, “Be a God Fearing Journalist”, adviced Journalists to use their written and spoken words to as well as good listening ears to positively transform the society. He added that God Fearing Journalist should be humble in all their actions
Also Speaking, the Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, represented by the permanent Secretary Mr Chris Onwuegbu, while pledging support for the members, said the State Government would do everything to ensure that the State council of NUJ moves to it’s permanent building site and Commended the members for starting the year with God.
