…advocates protection for Journalists
By: Precious Oham, Adebayo Adenrele, Gloria Ogbu, Hope James
The Deputy Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Hakeem Jamiu has described the Nigerian constitution as defective, saying that Nigeria needs to go back to true federalism.
In his opening remarks at a Public Lecture titled “2023 Elections: Beyond Religion and Ethnicity; the Role of Media”, organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council to mark its Press Week, the lawmaker described true federalism as the only strategy which can solve the leadership tussle in the country.
Hon. Jamiu also stressed that the next President come 2023 general elections should be chosen based on competence rather than placing premium on religion and ethnicity.
He said: “Lets go back to true federalism because our constitution is deceptive, that’s why we are constantly doing constitutional reviews.
“We need a competent president that can fix Nigeria beyond religion and ethnicity, who can give us true federalism in terms of providing security, Employment etc.
“So, rather than playing politics from religion and ethnicity, what should bother us is who can fix Nigeria.”
On his part, the Guest Lecturer, Engr. Dr Dayo Hephzibah Oladebeye advocated for the safety of Journalists come 2023 elections, urging the Federal Government to provide security personnel to protect the Newsmen.
Dr Oladebeye, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti also sought for the removal of limitations placed on media team for the sake of openness and transparency.
He thereby enjoined them to educate the public to vote based on the competence of the candidates contesting at all levels rather than being sentimental on the basis of religion and ethnicity.
“Security should be provided by the relevant agencies to guarantee the safety of the media team.
“The undue limitations placed on media team by media owners especially the ones owned by Government, private owners and Politicians should be removed for the sake of openness and transparency.
“There is need for the media regardless of the organization and location to work together for the overall interest of the citizens and for a better Nigeria. The media team should be vast in the knowledge of religion and the multi ethnicity
“The media team should work bearing in mind the national interest of the citizens rather than personal interests. There should be freedom of Political debate and right of reply to Media Reports during elections.
“Adequate logistics should be provided before during and after the elections for ease of coverage and broadcast. Timely coverage and broadcast should be done without any hesitation.
“The Masses should be educated to vote based on the competence of the candidates contesting at all levels rather than being sentimental on the basis of religion and ethnicity.” He said.