The Bauchi state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has called on media practitioners to ensure fair and credible reportage of the electioneering processes.
According to him, this is necessary for the sustenance of the country’s nascent democracy and political stability.
Mohammed, who made the call in Bauchi on Friday during an Annual Media Retreat organised by the FCT Minister’s Press Corps, noted that the media was a critical tool that must be used positively for societal good, and not for destructive purposes.
The governor, who was represented by his special adviser on media, Comrade Muktar Gidado, disclosed that media practitioners in the state had enjoyed “unalloyed support from the state government, giving them the needed advantage to operate seamlessly.”
“And as you are getting set to cover the 2023 elections, you must ensure that the principles of fairness, accuracy and balance in the coverage of political campaigns and activities are observed.
“You must also eschew mischief and inflammatory reports and stories. You should also shun biased reporting of events and remain steadfast in the discharge of your duties,” he said.
He further disclosed that his administration had, besides building a cordial relationship with the media, made giant strides in community development.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Press Corps chair, Hudu Yakubu, also called on media practitioners to beam more searchlights on the activities of all levels of the government, especially the local councils.
“Every tier of government has a responsibility of protecting and improving the lives of citizens and in this case, we are focusing on the third tier of the government, which is the local government, called Area Councils in the FCT,” he said.
