As the 2019 general elections approach, journalists in the country have been challenged to shun money but be courageous to use truth in their reportage as a way of opening doors for good governance.
“As you cover elections, tell the people what you see. Do not collect money from politicians to report falsehood. This could shut the door of God’s faithfulness for our country. This is an act of urighteousness,” Samuel W. Udia, an apostle, said on Sunday at The Apostolic Church, Ifa Atai, Etoi, in Uyo, during a Thanksgiving/Dedication service to herald the 2018 press week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
Preaching on the theme “Pursue Righteousness,” Udia said “As we are moving towards 2019 elections, I want you to see yourselves as ambassadors of righteousness. Stand by truth in everything.
“Report the truth without fear of those in authorities.
“Most leaders in this country don’t know God, therefore, let them know the truth,” the man of God admonished.
He added, “We must keep telling them the truth, with the hope they will someday accept the truth and do the right things for the sake of the people and this country.”
The chairman of NUJ in the state, Patrick Albert, described journalists as peculiar people in that they are the only professionals who do not embark on a nation-wide industrial action in Nigeria because of the love of the profession and the country.
“They know when they start duty but do not know when they close. They have to file their reports before they go home,” he added.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh, who was a guest of the NUJ at the Thanksgiving service, said journalists were paramount to the survival of any government in Nigeria.
Mr Udoh said Akwa Ibom has enjoyed “great peace” in the past three years under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“I am not sure there is any governor in this country who loves God and prayers the way Governor Udom Emmanuel does,” he said.
The commissioner appealed to Akwa Ibom people to support the administration to succeed.
Emmanuel Eduongo, a journalist and a pastor offered prayers for journalists in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
The NUJ will hold a rally on Monday in Uyo to advocate for peace in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria while the week will end on Saturday.
