Journalists key partners in democracy – Lalong

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Plateau State Governor Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on Wednesday said the partnership that exists between his administration and journalists in the State and the nation at large has contributed significantly to the restoration of peace on the Plateau and facilitated the needed cooperation from citizens towards government programmes and projects.

Governor Lalong in a statement signed by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director, Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and made available to newsmen reads that he described journalists as key partners in democracy

The statement reads that Lalong was speaking when the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Chris Isiguzo and some of his officials paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

According to the Governor, the Rescue Administration has enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the Nigerian Union of Journalists in the State without any attempt to oppress them or deny them freedom to practice.

He said his style of governance is to carry everyone along and ensure that views are freely expressed so as to secure wider engagement and buy-in of the citizens.

“I have received the cooperation of journalists in Plateau State since assuming office as they have freely reported us without any confrontation. We always take their criticism in good faith and explain to them why we take certain decisions. We believe that the people have the right to contribute to governance. That is what has been responsible for the kind of peace and development that we are witnessing in Plateau State today. I am therefore not surprised that before you visited me, they are already telling you what we have done and are doing” he said.

He promised to host the national convention of the NUJ if the State is given the opportunity, as this will enable them take some time off to properly visit some of the projects of the Rescue Administration across the State.

National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists Chris Isiguzo said the achievements of Governor Lalong can easily be traced to the all-inclusive governance style he adopted in making development seamless and returning Plateau to its prominent status as the home of Peace and Tourism.

The NUJ National President said “on our way to Abuja shortly after forest, we started seeing the new Plateau State. We saw a modern school in Ryom and I was told you have embarked on these projects in all parts of the State and you are replicating same in the health sector. A society that pays attention to education is investing in the future and that is what we are seeing you do. I want to congratulate you”.

He also cited the payment of salaries which he said ordinarily should not be a celebrated issue because a worker deserves his wages. However, he said “when they call you Governor Alert, the explanation is not just because you are consistent in paying salaries, but that the workers get their wages between 23rd and 24th of every month which shows that you are fulfilling your bargain before schedule. When we compare this and what we hear of other States that are owing many months salaries, your efforts here in Plateau deserve commendation”.

He appealed to Governor Lalong to use his position as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum to speak against perceived attempts to gag the media through the proposed laws against social media and others.

He said democracy is recognized because of certain tenets such as freedom of the press, rule of law and popular participation. These he said must not be tampered with as it will lead to the collapse of democracy which many have fought for.

The NUJ President was accompanied on the visit by the National Secretary Shuaibu Leman, Plateau State Council Chairman Paul Jatau and other zonal officers.

count | 6

Journalists key partners in democracy – Lalong