The Chief of Staff to Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, has advocated for constitutional recognition of the media as an arm of government rather than the traditional “fourth estate of the realm.”
Maccido made the call on Monday at the Maiden Public Lecture organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Birnin Kebbi.
Freedomonline reports that the lecture was organised in collaboration with office of the Special Adviser to Kebbi Governor on Public Enlightenment and Orientation.
The chief of staff said: “The role of the media in promoting and sustaining democratic principles and tenets cannot be overemphasised.
“The media played a vital role in restoring democracy in Nigeria, especially during the military era, an effort many politicians should not ignore or forget.
“Many journalists paid a heavy price for the restoration of democracy in this country. Therefore, the media should be made an arm of government constitutionally, not just the fourth estate of the realm.”
Maccido commended the chapel for its professionalism and adherence to journalistic ethics despite numerous challenges encountered in the line of duty.
“When the All Progressives Congress (APC) was established in 2014, we found it difficult to disseminate our manifesto to the people of Kebbi, especially given that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled the local media then.
“But members of the chapel supported us by discharging their duties ethically, journalistically and professionally,” he added.
In his speech, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, who represented Gov. Nasir Idris, said the present administration had continued to enhance the well-being of the people.
“The Correspondents’ Chapel has been part and parcel of the struggle to entrench democracy in Nigeria.
“The Kebbi Government commends journalists for their positive role in sustaining good governance and public enlightenment.
“The administration will continue to support media practitioners to operate effectively,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yahaya Sarki, lauded the chapel for organising the maiden lecture, describing it as timely, educative and a significant milestone.
He appreciated the support of stakeholders, particularly the Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar-Jambali, for contributing to the success of the event.
“A vibrant media landscape remains a major pillar of every thriving democracy. Kebbi continues to uphold press freedom under Gov. Idris.
“The administration operates an open-door policy that guarantees freedom of speech, access to information and respect for journalistic independence.
“These measures have continued to strengthen the media,” he said.
Also speaking, Abubakar-Jambali said the state government had supported the media through the provision of logistics, vehicles, monthly allowances and the ongoing construction of a modern press centre in Government House.
“These interventions demonstrate the governor’s commitment to ensuring a strong and effective press. When the media thrives, democracy also thrives,” he said.
He added that the synergy between the government and journalists had helped in amplifying development strides across the state, adding that it aided in ensuring transparency and deepening good governance.
“Today’s event reminds us that the media is not an adversary but a dependable partner in building a prosperous society.
“We remain committed to sustaining mutual respect, cooperation and professional support for all journalists in Kebbi,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Alhaji Kabiru Wurma, described the chapel as the live-wire of the NUJ.
He noted that it comprises professionally trained journalists representing various national newspapers, radio and television stations.
He said the journalists consistently cover governmental and non-governmental activities for publication by their respective organisations.
“The lecture is aimed at articulating the achievements of the present administration in Kebbi.
“There is no doubt that Gov. Nasir Idris has written his name in gold in the political history of the state,” he said.
He described the governor as the only teacher-governor in the country, noting that he had demonstrated exemplary leadership since assuming office two years ago.
Wurma expressed confidence that the lecture would provide valuable insights and meaningful takeaways for participants.
Freedomonline reports that the lecture with the theme, ” Media, Democracy and Good Governance”, was presented by Dr Abdullahi Sani, from Department of European Language and Literacy Studies, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK).
