Owerri: Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has called on the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to champion responsible journalism that fosters democracy and national development.
Uzodimma made the call when the executive members of NGE paid him a courtesy call on Friday at the Government House, Owerri.
The editors were in the state for their Standing Committee meeting. The governor highlighted the crucial role the media played in shaping public opinion and promoting good governance.
He urged editors, as gatekeepers, to pursue with patriotic zeal the tenets of developmental journalism, focusing on constructive criticisms that promote national cohesion and development.
He raised concerns over the unchecked influence of social media, which he noted had, in most cases, been deployed to spread damaging falsehoods.
Uzodimma called for measures to regulate social media and prevent its reckless use.
He also challenged NGE and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to rise to the occasion of ensuring that the reckless use of social media did not cause harm to individuals and society.
Uzodimma said, “Indeed, as we move closer to the next general elections, the role of the media becomes even more critical to the stability of our democracy.
“As I have said before, we rely on you to show us the path to follow. As gatekeepers of public information, what you choose to publish will shape how Nigerians interpret and respond to unfolding events. You have the power to permit divisive and inflammatory content that could lead to hatred, unrest, and disunity.
“But you also have the power to amplify voices of peace, unity, and reason.
“The choice is yours, but I trust that your patriotism will guide you to make the right call,” he stressed.
He assured them that his government will remain committed to supporting journalists to bring sanity and order to society.
“Let me assure you that this government remains committed to supporting the journalism profession in fulfilling its role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm,” he added.
He, however, appealed for collaboration and partnership between the government and the media to drive development in the state, in particular and Nigeria at large.