Benue Dep. Gov charges journalists to prioritise truth in reporting

By Titus Atondu,  Makurdi

Benue State Deputy Governor Barr Sam Ode mni has enjoined journalists working in the state to uphold the ethics of journalism profession by prioritising truth and always ensuring to cross check their facts before publishing their news.

Ode also advised Journalists that by doing so, the spread of fake news would be eliminated completely or to the barest minimum in the society and this will avail the media the opportunity to  engage the government with constructive criticisms for the over all good of Nigeria.

Ode gave the charge when he paid an official working visit to the office of the Corresponts’ Chapel Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council.

He explained that  as partners in nation building, media criticisms could help the government to improve in areas that were lagging behind in terms of development.

The Deputy Governor assured that doors of the present administration would continue to remain open for journalists to verify information to avoid spreading fake news to the public.

He revealed that the administration of his principal Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has made it a deliberate policy to ensure free flow of information between government and journalists, having acknowledged the pivotal role the media play  in government business, adding that cross checking of information could be done through key officers of government such as his press Secretary and the chief press secretary to the governor respectively.

He assured the media community of the state of a cordial working relationship, appealing for cooperation for the government to succeed.

Barr. Ode who reminded journalists that as human beings functioning as government officials there are bound to be mistakes however, appealed that they should be called to order for them to make amends since no human being is infallible, adding that his visit to the chapel office has availed him opportunity to know the challenges journalists were facing in the cause of discharging duties.

He advised journalists to feel free to channel issues that need urgent response to his office for prompt attention because of the governor’s busy schedule which makes it very difficult for people to reach him easily, pointing out that the office of deputy governor was an extension of government house and the governor’s office.

Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council,  Emmanuel Antswen, described the visit as historic, maintaining that Barr. Sam Ode is the first serving deputy governor to pay an official working visit to the chapel and promised on behalf of members to give the Alia administration the support to succeed.