A former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Shola Omotola has urged Nigerian journalists to always speak to power and hold leaders accountable in the interest of national development.
He stated this in a paper he presented at a 2-day retreat which was organised by Senate press corps on Saturday at Al-Ivari Hotel, Keffi in Nassarawa State.
In his paper presentation titled: “Developmental Impact of the Executive on Nigeria’s Democracy, 1999 – 2024”, he said successive elected governments at the federal level since May 1999, have by policy formulation and execution, tried to effect development across the sectors but failed in the area of poverty alleviation, let alone, eradication.
The failure to effectively tackle poverty among Nigerians by successive governments according to him, has made development, as a vital component of democracy, to be substantially missing in Nigeria over the years.
“The theme of the retreat, “Democracy and Development: How far, So far, for Nigeria?”, is, therefore, very apt, timely and cogent.
“Democracy and development are inextricably interconnected and must flow together , the very reason why journalists in Nigeria , need to speak truth to Power in making it so , in Nigeria .
“Development is basically about the people reaching an acceptable standard of living, having the basic things on which they need to live decently – housing, shelter, clothing, food -nutritionally balanced diet, portable water, clean environment, etc.
“All hindrances to these in Nigeria from corruption to bad policies, need to be exposed from time to time by journalists who are the watchdogs of the society”, he said.
He however added that for Nigeria to have sustained the practice of Democracy for more than 24 years and remaining as an entity , show that development would surely follow.
In his remarks at the retreat, the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio , represented by Chairman , Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs , Senator Yemi Adaramodu, APC Ekiti South, said the Senate under his leadership , would not deny any journalist , access to information for ventilation to the larger society as provided for, by the FOI Act.
Also the Clerk to the National Assembly , Sani Magaji Tambawal , represented by Secretary, Research and Information, Mr Ali Umar , said since Democracy provides a more favourable environment for development, management of the National Assembly, will continue to provide conducive working environment for journalists for very balanced and objective reportage.
But Chairman , Senate Committee on Public Accounts , Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. SDP Nasarawa West, said for development to flow with Democracy in Nigeria , Nigerians need to move away from sentimental reasoning and conducts, by in actual fact , being our brother’s keeper.
“Discriminatory tendencies among Nigerians of all ages and status must stopped, for genuine development to take place and for the country to remain more united and peaceful”, he stressed.
