Keep politicians on their toes for accountability , Ajisafe tells Okun Journalists.
A group of working journalists in Kogi State known as Okun Media Links have been charged to seek accountability from political leaders who served only their selfish interests rather than that of the masses who elected them.
A former Director in Nigeria Inland Waters Authorities (NIWA ) Dr Femi Ajisafe gave this charge during Okun Media Links’ conferment of award on Dr Tunde Arosanyin at the Press centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lokoja Kogi State.
According to him ,it is the duty of journalists to keep politicians on their toes through investigative reportage and therefore bring them back to the right path..
While condemning the use of arms during the last election in Kogi State, he said it was a bad precedence which must not continue, pointing out that to bring this bad trend to an end, Okun Media Links must be up and doing in discharging its duties and responsibilities.
He noted that it behoves on the reporters to champion and advocate the political course of Okun nation, show the way to go in 2023 and make stakeholders have a grab at it.
Ajisafe condemned the trend where unemployed youths gather in communities and hail politicians with the purpose of begging for money while the politicians in inturn throw money on them like scavengers , describing such act as dehumanising.
He noted that there was a great need for the Okum Media Links members to re orientate the youths to live better lives.
He expressed joy that the award recipient was not honoured as a politician or money bag but on his integrity and contributions to the development of humanity.
Describing Arosanyin as a key player in the Agricultural sector, he said the award was well deserved and reiterated that his selection for the award is not politically tinted but based on merit.
Ajisafe urged members of OMLs to continue to encourage only people like Arosanyin rather than politicians who are self serving and have done nothing of worth for the electorate .
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi Council, Comr Adeiza Momohjimoh represented by Come Ibrahim Obansa congratulated the award recipient , describing him as an international personnel whose service to humanity would stand the test of time.
He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for journalists whom he said work in risky situation and terrain.
Also speaking, a former member of The Graphic Newspaper’s Editorial Board, Simon Oyewole, described Arosanyin as a reputable and celebrated consultant in the field of agriculture.
Responding, Arosanyin who expressed appreciation to the organisers of the award presentation, said he was honoured to so recognized by the media whom he said is the societal mirror.
He said he is spurred by the award to continue to do more.
Personalities in the media industry in Kogi State and members of ECWA church in Lokoja graced the occasion.
