By Gift Chapi Odekina
Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged journalists to always double-check their facts before going public.
On Wednesday, Gbajabiamila spoke at the inauguration of the new Executives of the House of Representatives Press Corps, as well as the launch of its inaugural magazine “Green Sentinel” and website.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep Ahmed Wase, stated that the House is always ready to provide any information requested by journalists.
“I urge you to take advantage of available opportunities for fact-checking. Our doors are always open. Nothing is done in secret because we believe in communication. Power comes from communication. “There would be gaps where communication was lacking,” he explained.
He assured the Press Corps of his support in carrying out its responsibilities.
“We believe you are capable of carrying out your onerous responsibilities.” You have a responsibility to improve society, which you have been doing, but you should do more. Nigeria should move forward, and we will do so collectively. Democracy is about collaboration, and we must work together to safeguard the principles of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. “We must all work together for Nigeria to function,” he said.
While congratulating the Corps on the inauguration and publication of the magazine, he prayed to God to assist the leadership in carrying out its duties.
Read Also: Call off strike to address your demands, Bauchi government begs striking staff
Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson of the Press Corps, thanked the House leadership for their assistance and cooperation with the Corps, saying they were a part of its achievements.
She called the event “another milestone in our drive as parliamentary reporters to be responsive, responsible, engaging, and keeping time for posterity.”
She stated that this was the first time in the history of the House of Representatives Press Corps, and indeed the Press Corps in the National Assembly, that a female was sworn in as chairman back-to-back.
This, she claims, proves that the Press Corps is gender-sensitive.
She thanked everyone who helped make the magazine a reality.
“Being here today is a testament to the can-do spirit that the leadership of the House, as exemplified by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker, has instilled in us all for more than three years.”
“Our decision to embark on this publication is based on the realisation that, as a select few, we have the opportunity to witness firsthand the work of the people’s representatives in making good and lasting laws for our country, as well as being sources of empowerment, it is important for us to document these and behind-the-scenes moments.” “Although we are journalists, we are also historians because we document most of what happens for future generations,” she explained.
Read Also: Tinubu: 2023 is a must-win election for presidency
Rep Ben Kalu, House spokesperson, also congratulated the press corps.
He stated that the press corps is independent because the House does not interfere with its activities.
Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the Corps to pledge allegiance to Nigerians.
He advocated for balanced reporting and emphasised the importance of democracy.
He urged journalists to always be on the side of truth and accountability.
