7th May, 2012
Former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor has admonished journalists and media houses across the nation not to be discouraged but continue in the practice with courage and diligence despite the intimidation and threat to their lives.
Prof. Osunbor, who gave the advice Monday in Benin during a condolence visit over the death of three journalists who died in a ghastly motor accident involving the state governor’s convoy, also condoled with Edo state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over the death of his Principal Private Secretary Olaitan Oyerinde.
According to him, “I admonish you not to be overawed or discouraged by this tragedy as well as the threats faced daily by journalists and the media across the nation, especially in these trying times.
“I urge you to continue to practice your profession with courage and diligence. In doing so, you must at all times abide by the ethics and tenets of your profession and strive to uphold truth, fairness and objectivity in your reportage. You have a huge responsibility towards the sustenance of our democracy. It is for this reason that the constitution in section 39 guarantees freedom of the press.”
While lamenting the tragic loss of Olaitan, he said: “I use this opportunity to express my condolence to the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over the tragic accident and the loss last week of his Principal Private Secretary, through assassination.”
Also mourning the late Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde was Osagie Obayuwana, Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who on a poetic note, lamented : “those who murdered Olaitan have murdered sleep. They shall sleep no more! On this kindly solicit the intervention of the Orisas to torment them day and night.”
By Jethro Ibileke/Benin City