Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on Monday told members of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that his government was open to criticism but it must be based on facts.
Obaseki who at the 2016 edition of the NUJ Press Week commended journalists for their relationship with the past government sued for a better synergy with his government.
Represented by the Secretary to State Government, Barr Osarodion Ogie, Obaseki implored the NUJ executives to work assiduously to transform the council noting that the government has the welfare of journalists at heart.
According to Obaseki, “We are open to Criticism but get your fact right before you criticize us”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Iyase of Benin kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe who was represented by Chief Eduwu Ekhator, the Obasogie of the kingdom congratulated the council for the epic making event and urged journalists to imbibe the spirit of unionism.
He urged journalists not to put their personal interest above truth in an issue as it ridicules the profession.
He also urge the council to partner with the government to build a better Edo state just as he stated that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II didn’t miss words by setting the record straight during his coronation.
He said,” It is not my right but a rare privilege to be here with you.
“If not today at a later date we would reach the Chairman on a trip or two ad to encourage what you have built.
” I urge you to imbibe the spirit of unionism. Whatever you do, make sure you get you fact right and don’t put your interest above the truth.
“I want to appeal to the NUJ to always contact the palace at all times to get the story straight.
“The NUJ should be able to maintain and sustain the profession not with the idea of filling up their pockets”. He added.
Also, the speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Justine Okonoboh who was represented by the Majority leader, Hon Folly Ogedegbe described the NUJ saying “without you there will be no democracy” stating that the house is always easy to partner with the council.
In his opening remarks, the NUJ Chairman, Sir Rolland Osakue who noted that the council was been affected by the recent economic recession urged the government to implement the Weigh in Allowance for journalists in the state employment.
Osakue urged the governor to sustain the cordial relationship with the union stating that, “the Union has a commitment to promote all policies and programme of the government through objective and balanced reportage of all its activities”.
He said the union will not hesitate to punish erring journalists who engage in any professional misconduct appealing that ” members embrace the ethical code of the profession for greater efficiency “.
Osakue also called on the government and other employers of journalists to enhance the pay packages of practicing journalists in the state and across the country.