Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has challenged journalists to hold government officials accountable, instead of giving them awards on the basis of “friendship”.
Wike stated this on Friday when he hosted the national leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
“What I have seen of you is that you praise us and give us award because of relationship or friendship,” Wike said according to a statement by his media aide Kelvin Ebiri.
“That’s not the way it should be. Challenge us — the people in authority — and we will sit up to our responsibilities. We will have no choice than to perform and serve the people as it should be,” he added.
Wike said his support to the media is tied to its role of telling the truth.
“There was a time you were exposing the ills of society. If not for you, certain things will not be known. Assume your role, grow strong again and speak out,” he said.
The governor also said the media should have joined him in raising alarm over the operations of the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“Now look at what has happened. There was #EndSARS protest across the country. Nobody knows how the youth were able to organise themselves without a leader,” he said.
“Up until now, intelligence can’t even know how they did it and who’s behind them. Without good intelligence, how can Nigeria even defeat Boko Haram?”
