By Isaac Ukpoju
Lafia – Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has commended the efforts of journalists in deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
Al-Makura gave the commendation on Thursday in Lafia during a presentation of a book written by the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nasarawa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), .
The book is entitled “Al-Makura : Expanding the Frontiers of Democratic Governance in Nasarawa State.”
He said that the country’s democracy so far would have being a mirage without the information, enlightenment and agenda setting role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm.
He charged the media not to relent in carrying out its responsibility and upholding professional ethics for the benefit of the people.
“It is not about me or any individual, but as the media is the fourth arm of government and you owe it a duty to the people to keep them abreast of governance and have them participate,” he said.
Al-Makura said he appreciated the painstaking efforts by the journalists through their assessment of governance in the state under his watch and documenting same for posterity.
He said that although his administration had had some ‘ups and downs’ with the media, he had enjoyed a robust working relationship with members of the press in the last seven year.
“Having being a media practitioner over 35 years ago, I would like to appreciate you my colleagues for your support to my administration.
“We have had ups and downs in the course of this journey, which is very natural, but the most fundamental thing is the what we hold dear to our hearts the interest of the people,” Al-Makura said.
Suleiman Abubakar, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ chapel, said the book was an assessment of governance within the past seven years in the state taking into cognizance the achievements in the various sectors.
Abubakar said that emphasis was placed on infrastructure development under the Al-Makura administration vis-a-viz previous administrations, especially Lafia and other urban centres across the state.
Similarly, Mr Dogo Shammah, the State Chairman of NUJ, commended the governor for his support to practicing journalists in the state over the years.
He urged the state government to always work with the media for adequate coverage of its policies and programmes.
