Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state, has commended the role played by the Nigerian media in building democratic culture and institutions.
Mukhtar Gidado, his special adviser on media and publicity, said the governor spoke at a public presentation of a book in Abuja, on Thursday.
The governor spoke on the theme: “Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Threats, Constraints and Resilience.”
Mohammed commended the authors and editors of the book for a well-researched scholarly endeavour “which has a direct practical bearing on media development and the Nigerian democracy”.
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He noted how the media had supported the sustenance of Nigeria’s current democratic enterprise; how politicians have related to the press while in office.
The Bauchi governor also talked about the problematic relationship between politics, politicians and the media when their interests diverge.
“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,” Mohammed said.
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He called on the media and politicians to continually advocate for dialogue that would stimulate understanding, tolerance, respect and the spirit of give and take for the greater public good.
Mohammed also urged politicians, journalists and other Nigerians to use the book well.
He urged the media to shun biased reporting of events and remain steadfast in their professional calling.
In his welcome address, Sam Amadi, the chief host, said despite its constitutional role, the Nigerian media has a history of confronting daunting challenges headlong.
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Amadi also commended the Bauchi governor for his media-friendly disposition.
The book titled “Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Civic Space, Free Speech, and the Battle for Freedom of the Press” was edited by Paul Obi, Taye C. Obateru and Sam Amadi.
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