Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, called on media practitioners to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession in the discharge of their duties.
Governor Oborevwori made the call when the state leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba.
The governor who congratulated the State chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and other members of the executive on their victory at the Union’s election, urged them to work as a team for the general good of the union.
He said the vision of his administration was to carry media practitioners along in the scheme of things, promising to reposition the state-owned media outfits to meet international standards.
“The good thing is that your election was very peaceful and transparent without interference even when people were pressuring me to support a candidate I refused because I am Governor for all Deltans and anyone that wins is my own.
“See your victory as something from God because it is only God that can give you power and at this time your people have chosen you to be their State Chairman.
“What is more important is the relationship you are going to build, do not be carried away by the victory and do the right thing.
“As journalists when you criticise do it the right way and not with sentiments, so I urge you to promote unity and shun acrimony.
“As members of the fourth estate of the realm, you should abide by the ethics of the profession and as a government, we will continue to support the NUJ in enhancing professionalism among your members,” he added.
On the appointment of commissioners for Information and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Governor said people would be appointed into the said ministries and assured that appointment would be based on merit and competence.
Governor Oborevwori said since he came into office, his administration has been able to pay outstanding promotion arrears owed workers, approved payment of N10,000 each month for three months to cushion the effect of subsidy removal by the federal Government on civil servants.
He added that he has flagged off the construction of three flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and expansion of roads by Julius Berger company in Warri and Effurun at the cost of N78 billion among other policies aimed at expanding frontiers of development in the state.
He said his MORE Agenda was crafted to fastrack the infrastructural and socio-economic development of the state.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Churchill Oyowe said the visit was to introduce the new executive to the Governor and also seek ways of partnership with the government on advancing the MORE Agenda.
Comrade Oyowe who commended Governor Oborevwori for appointing some members of the union as Media Aides, assured the Governor of the support of Journalists in promoting the policies and programmes of his administration.
He reminded the Governor of the need to fully digitalize state-owned media houses, local and international training for journalists, build NUJ village and upgrade facilities at the Union’s secretariat.
