Media aides not attack dogs, says senate spokesman

Senate Chairman for Media and Public Affairs, Ajibola Basiru, has urged the political class to desist from unleashing media aides as “attacking dogs” against political opponents.

He disclosed this on Monday in his address while declaring open a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Media Aides to Principal Officers and Information Personnel of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Ajibola said: “The political class should not reduce their media aides to tools to further their political interests. By so doing, we will not acquaint ourselves with the important nature of the job description of media aides.

“Hence, we fail to maximise the benefits drivable from their services. It is high time we realised that media aides have so much to offer if we allow them to function strictly within the context of their engagement.

“The political class should not turn media aides to attacking dogs that are let loose on others who may not agree with their point of view or who may even be of different political inclinations.”

He stressed that the country needs viable and well-informed media personnel that would serve as intermediaries between the government and the governed.

The spokesman noted that the role of media aides is more sensitive than that of other aides because they are the mirrors through which the public assesses their principals and policies.

He also reminded the assistants, that through statements released on behalf of their principals, they have the important role of stabilising the polity by mitigating issues that could cause tension in the society.

Basiru praised the participants for “being the catalyst for the relative peace, integration and cooperation” so far witnessed by the Ninth Assembly.

He described the workshop as very relevant, coming at a time when the nation is facing challenges due to misinformation.

He implored them to use the opportunity to increase their knowledge, enhance the quality of their job and broaden their exposure to best practices in journalism.