The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has asked the mass media to remain focused as an agent of positive change.
The speaker who made the call in his office in Asaba, when he played host to the executive of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by its Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, said issues should be reported correctly and not to fill the media space with fake news.
Rt Hon Oborevwori flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Ochor Christopher Ochor and some other Principal Officers and members of the state legislature, said he has a lot of respect for the NUJ and would remain a great partner to the progress of the Union.
He stated that the Delta State House of Assembly has continued to enjoy the services of journalists covering the activities of the House and will continue to work closely with the union towards peace, good governance and development of the state.
Rt Hon Oborevwori commended the NUJ for complementing the efforts of the state government, towards the development of the state and called for sustained synergy in that regard.
The Speaker assured that the House will continue to enact laws that would impact positively the lives of Deltans, disclosing that the anti-open grazing bill presently undergoing legislative process is in its final stage.
He enjoined media practitioners not to be used as tools for blackmails but to report events without sentiments, emphasizing that fair reportage of the policies and programs of government would further enhance development in the state.
Earlier the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, while commending the Speaker for his quality leadership, X-rayed the role of the media as the watchdog of the society as provided in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Comrade Ikeogwu urged government at all levels to embrace the workings of members of the union and stop seeing journalists as enemies, even as he promised sustained partnership with the State Assembly in advancing democracy in the state.
The NUJ Chairman said the union will continue to hold government accountable and help ensure that peace and development thrive in the society.
Comrade Ikeogwu thanked the speaker for the warm reception accorded him and his team, saying that the visit to the House was delayed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the state.
