Bauchi gov lauds media for sustaining democratic values

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has commended the Nigerian media for sustaining democratic culture, institutions and practices, while discharging its constitutional responsibility.

Mohammed made the remarks in Abuja, yesterday, when he chaired the public presentation of a book, ‘Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Threats, Constraints and Resilience’.

The event was organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

The governor was represented by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado.

He explained: “It is a known fact that politicians can sometimes be excessive in trying to constrain the media and, in turn, the media, especially in this age of new and social media, can be excessive, intolerant and volatile in defence of its space or territory.”

He called on practitioners to continually advocate dialogue, to stimulate understanding, tolerance, respect and the spirit of “give and take, for the greater public good.”

Mohammed called on politicians, journalists and other Nigerians to make good use of the book.

He further urged practitioners to shun biased reporting of events and remain steadfast in their professional calling.

The Chief Host, Dr. Sam Amadi, commended Mohammed for his media-friendly disposition. He analysed how the media is navigating Africa’s most populous nation
– Nigeria and its democracy. According to him, the media in Nigeria has a history of confronting daunting challenges headlong.

The book was written by Paul Obi and reviewed by Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi.