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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma in his keynote address at the 21st All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), addressed directly the challenge of the 51% trust deficit in Nigerian media.
Speaking extensively on the theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” and the sub-theme on electoral integrity, Uzodimma positioned media professionals as crucial architects of public trust and catalysts of democracy.
He acknowledged the influential power of editors, saying, “Editors are a very powerful influence for society because you wield the most powerful weapon on Earth. And that weapon is the pen.” He elaborated, “Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect.”
Uzodimma challenged editors to take ownership of their roles, stating, “If you have a role to play in democratic governance and national cohesion, then also, I would not let you escape accountability for electoral integrity. You have a role to play in electoral integrity. Because without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy.” He asserted that democratic governance is the foundation for resolving the trust deficit affecting Nigeria today.
Addressing the media’s current trust challenges, Uzodimma highlighted reports showing only 51% of Nigerians trust the media, while trust in political parties and government remains significantly lower. “There is a trust deficit in Nigeria’s information ecosystem,” he said, emphasizing that this trust deficit is both reported on and perpetuated by editorial choices.
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He critiqued the media’s tendency toward sensationalism and divisive narratives, warning, “Every editorial choice takes over clickbait. Does that amount to restriction? Yes. You are making a choice, and that choice has consequences.” Elaborating on the consequences, he said, “When the media frames every electoral challenge as evidence of systemic fraud rather than contextualizing it within an imperfect but improving process, it reinforces the very discourse that fragments society.”
While recognising pressures from political and commercial interests, Uzodimma held the media to high professional standards. “Professionalism is tested within constraints, not in their absence,” he reminded his audience, urging editors to resist becoming “traffickers in outrage” and instead uphold ethical journalism.
Uzodimma called for media narratives that promote national cohesion by emphasizing shared values. “Let us highlight what binds us together, rather than what divides us,” he said.
He urged editors to be custodians of truthful, balanced information as the country approaches the 2027 elections, stressing, “Electoral integrity begins with editorial integrity.”
Uzodimma underscored the media’s vital role as a partner in democracy’s progress. “You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. You are catalysts and facilitators,” he said. “What we choose to do or not to do will affect us as well. How we did or failed to do in 2027 and the run-up that it will help to make or not Nigeria, the choice is ours in this way.”
