The vice president, Namadi Sambo, yesterday appealed to Nigerian journalists not to compromise the security of the country while exercising the freedom of the press, but to concentrate more on factors that would secure and unite the nation.
He also stated that the success of the 2011 elections is closely tied to media practitioners in the country, calling on them to utilise their profession to educate politicians as well as the electorate on free and fair elections.
The vice president made this appeal when he had an interactive session with State House correspondents in Abuja. He said that the role of the media was very crucial - especially during the nation’s march towards the 2011 elections.
He, however, thanked the media for the professional manner in which they had reported issues concerning the country so far.
“You must ensure that you are always very fair, very frank, and that you will tell Nigerians the truth about what is happening, and the efforts that our president, Goodluck Jonathan, is making towards ensuring the rapid development of Nigeria.
“You have the onerous task of informing Nigerians about what we are doing. That, as you know, is a very important responsibility. It is a fact that you have a role to play in the security of this country and this is an important area really, that needs to be watched at all the time.
“You need to know also that there are matters of reporting that affects the security of the nation. Of course, you are all aware that Nigeria operates at the highest point of press freedom; but that should not mean that you will go to the extent of exposing our country, especially the security aspect. I want to assure you of our support at all times. I assure you of our cooperation in helping you report what we are doing to the world,” he said.
The vice president reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, as well as the role of the media in educating Nigerians on the seriousness of Mr. Jonathan’s one-man-one-vote campaign.
“For the achievement of this objective, you have the biggest role to play because Nigerians need to know the truth. They need to be educated, and we cannot achieve this without the co-operation of all the parties. Politicians and the general citizens need to be sensitised, and it is only through you that people can be educated to understand the new democratic spirit and the need for free and fair election, come 2011,” Mr. Sambo further said.
Building the nation
The vice president said the federal government was working to ensure growth and development of the nation, adding that the issue of power is being addressed, to ensure that Nigeria enjoys uninterrupted power supply.
“We are right now prepared to match our talks with action. We must also through you appeal to all Nigerians for support, as we work to ensure that this country is developed to take its rightful place amongst the community of nations.
“This is the first time that Nigeria will have two well-educated people at the helm of affairs of the nation. President Jonathan, a scientist, a doctorate degree holder; and myself, an architect; we are designing and building the economy. We are determined that we must provide jobs and pay salaries that are above poverty level. This is what we assure Nigerians,” he said.
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