From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has warned against unethical conduct by journalists in the process of carrying out their duties in the state, saying government will not condone undue sensationalisation of reportage and falsehood of any kind.
Governor Sule gave the warning during the unveiling of the remodeled Government House Press Centre held on Thursday, September 3,2020 at Government House, Lafia.
According to him, government has continued to cherish objective and constructive criticisms by practising journalists in the state but will not condone falsehood and fabrication of untrue stories, noting that his administration was aware of the independence of the press in the discharge of its statutory obligations.
He assured of his administration’s continued support to journalists in the state to enable carry out their onerous responsibilities to the society.
“it is pertinent to state that Government is not unaware of your support to its development agenda of turning around the fortunes of the people of Nasarawa State. I must say that without the media support, our development aspirations would not have been visible. Indeed, your role has continued to set agenda in our determination to entrench an all-inclusive governance for the benefit of our people.
“The remodeling of this edifice is informed by our desire to provide conducive environment for the Government House Press Crew and other related press activities to enhance the execution of your responsibility in the most effective and proficient manner. In the same vein, Government also renovated and furnished the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Complex.
“We have also allocated five houses to the State Council of the NUJ in Karu, among other logistics support.
“In furtherance of our commitment to appreciate the efforts and contributions of journalists in the state, we have organized end of the year media award night, last year. This was to recognize outstanding performance of our journalists who have excelled in their field of endeavour.
“Government will continue to support the effort of journalists, but not intended to compel you to play a subservient service to the government.
“Let me, therefore, express my profound appreciation to members of the press for your doggedness and resilience in our collective fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state. This is evident through your daily reportage which has continued to enlighten the populace on the dangers of the Coronavirus pandemic. This effort is highly commendable and I urge you to sustain the tempo.
“I need to however warn that, government will not condone undue sensationalization of reportage and falsehood of any kind. You must be guided by the ethics of the journalism profession in carrying out your assignment,” Governor Sule said.
He, therefore called on journalists to ensure the maintenance of the facility for its durability and sustainability.
In his remarks, the Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, commended Governor Sule for setting the pace for others to follow in provision of a serene environment for journalists in the state to enable them carry out their work effectively.
He urged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession, even as he charged them to make judicious use of the edifice.
Earlier in a welcome address, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra said the scope of the renovation work included the fixing of leaking roofs, replacing of falling ceilings, removing of old tiles, renovation of toilet facilities and electrical work among others.
The CPS commended the governor for the support given to journalists in the state and called on him to maintain the tempo.
He, however appealed for the installation of internet network and a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at the centre.
Gov Sule warns journalists against unethical conduct
