From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Deputy Governor of Benue state, Dr Sam Ode, has appealed for collaboration between the media professionals in Benue state and the state government to ensure speedy development of the state.
The Deputy Governor stated this on Tuesday when he paid a visit to the Secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Benue state Council, in Makurdi.
Sam Ode who called for constructive criticisms from members of the Chapel stated that the Benue State Government would always welcome constructive criticisms as it will enlighten them of areas for improvement and help them serve the people better.
He said that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia recognizes the critical roles of the media and therefore would not have issues with any criticisms that is well intended and geared towards helping the government.
While noting that constructive criticisms stimulates government to do what is right and on time, Ode said “In the cause of doing your job, there are certain stories that may not be palatable to the Government, however, because we are partners in progress, we need to work in synergy to build the society. It is better that we allow for free flow of communication between the correspondents and the Government.
“So constructive criticism will only simulate Government to do what is right and so I don’t think that we will frown at that but it is important that your reportage should come from properly informed sources.
“I sue for cooperation between the chapel and the Government of Benue State. Governor Alia means well for the development of Benue State. He is not infallible because he is human and so my appeal is that when we go off track, try as much as possible to see us behind close doors. Talk to us and see how best we can resolve it”.
Ode commended the Chapel members for conferring on him, associate membership of the Chapel and promised to take the membership seriously.
“I want to thank the executive members and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for conferring on me the associate membership of the chapel. It is an honour that I do not take for granted and I will work assiduously to defend this honour.
“In so doing I will be conscious that the honour is not only for me but the Governor and Government of Benue State that I serve.
“This visit is recorded as a historical because this is the first time a sitting deputy governor is visiting the secretariat of the Benue Correspondents’ Chapel. This place is a friendly environment for the governor and government of Benue State.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Benue Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Emmanuel Antswen, commended the Deputy Governor for taking out time out of his tight schedules to visit their Secretariat.
 Antswen further urged the Benue State Government to brace up and welcome constructive criticisms as feedback mechanisms is the necessary tool leaders worldwide require to check their performance ratios.