From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma, has tasked members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors to embrace developmental journalism through constructive criticism of government for national unity and development.
Uzodimma said this while speaking at the 2023 National Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Owerri on Friday.
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 given the public, as such information could either make or mar Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, no democracy is perfect, urging Nigerians to be patient in their expectations.
He noted, “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 with can make or mark our democracy, because the pen is mightier than the sword.
“We can hardly rise above our environment, but there is need for improvement, because our democracy is a work in progress, with its transformative ingredients being refined daily.”
He assured the editors of the continued commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his political party, to encouraging constructive journalism and strengthening 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.