Hold public office holders accountable: Fayemi to media

Kayode Fayemi

Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi

By Okon Okon

Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has tasked the media to always hold public office holders accountable to the people.

Fayemi made the call at the book presentation on the Media, Politics and Power in Nigeria, authored by Mr Emeka Nwosu, a veteran journalist on Thursday in Abuja.

Nwosu, also a scholar, served as a Political Editor in the Daily Times Newspaper from 1987 to 1999 and he is presently, a Consultant on Media and Public Policy.

Fayemi, who was a guest speaker at the occasion, was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Sajor, Director-General, National Prosperity Movement.

He underscored the need to involve the media in decisions taken by the politicians, considering its roles in the politics of the country.

“It is important for the media to deploy its power to hold public office holders accountable to the people,’’ he said.

Speaking on inclusiveness, Fayemi said the time has come to give way to young people including women in governance to contribute fresh ideas that could accelerate the needed progress in the process of governance.

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“Inclusion is key, is part of equity, fairness and it is part of justice. How can you say you want equity, fairness, you want justice without featuring other categories of people in governance,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Victor Ndoma-Egba, Chairman of the occasion, commended the author for revealing part of the history of the civil war in Nigeria i. the book.

Ndoma-Egba, a three-term Senator, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District of Cross River, said: “the book can serve as reference point to the present generation to avoid repetition of the past errors.

“The book is not only about media, politics and power in Nigeria. It is also about the author’s life story from childhood to adulthood, the major socio-political events and experiences of the time.

“The book also defined the Nigerian civil war which formed the prism from which he sees and interprets politics, power and the media which shaped his perspectives”.

Nwosu, the author of the 256-paged book, said he was encouraged to write the book based on his personal involvements at various levels of media and political engagements in the country.

He said the book is a rich package that explores many key issues which have continued to agitate the fragile federation, including the role of the media in deepening democratic values and championing the cause of good governance in the Nigeria.

Goodwill messages were given by Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, HRH Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, Sarkin Karshi Abuja, among others.

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