Society can get better if you remain independent, Gov. Otti Tells NUJ

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has charged journalists to explore funding strategies that would enable them to remain independent.

Governor Otti, who gave the charge while receiving a delegation of the State Working Committee (SWC) and senior stakeholders of Abia State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed government’s willingness to assist the Council to complete its permanent secretariat in Umuahia.

Canvassing for a strong and independent Press, the Governor said if NUJ could explore sources of self-sistaining funding its operations, the Union would remain independent, not tethered to the apron strings of any government, adding that society would be better for it when journalists discharge their responsibilities professionally without being influenced.

Responding to a request for financial assistance in the form of subvention, Governor Otti said that government funding of the Union would make it to lose its voice.

“I am struggling with the subvention request because my understanding is that you are independent of government. When government begins to funnel money into you every month, before you know it, you will become an arm of government. When you do, you will lose your voice.

“I want you to remain independent. I want you to be able to have your voice. That is the only way the society can get better. You know the saying, who pays the piper dictates the tune. So, there must be a sustainable way of funding yourself.

While assuring the Council of his administration’s readiness to assist in other critical areas, the Governor encouraged the Union to explore alternative funding strategies, including partnerships and fundraising initiatives and other self-sustaining options of funding the Union, stressed the need for Journalists to remain independent so as to carry out their duties professionally without unnecessary influence which could make them to lose their independence and integrity.

On the isuue of building a permanen secretariat for the Abia Council, the Governor said: “I listened to the challenges you read out, the issue of permanent secretariat, that the Abia is the only State in the Federation where there is no permanent secretariat, and I have noted that.

“From your comments, it does appear that there is one under construction. How far has it gone? Okay, a foundation has been laid. We will take note of that and see how we can help.

Continuing, the Governor said: “The next one you mentioned is mobility, we can find a way to assist.”

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the Abia Council of NUJ, Comrade Chidi Asonye,had told the Governor that Council, and by extension, her members, have  continued to grapple with conditions that severely limit their capacity to function effectively for  lack of permanent secretariat, lack of mobility and requested the Governor to assist the Union in completing their secretariat.

“One of our most pressing concerns is the absence of a permanent secretariat for the Council. Out of the 37 Councils across the federation, Abia is the only Council that has no secretariat that we can call our own,

“Your Excellency, we are not only respectfully appealing for your urgent intervention in completing this secretariat, but also urging you to cause this project to be reviewed and upgraded to make its purpose-built,” since the building plan was done close to two decades ago.

Comrade Asonye also requested the Governor to gift the Council with a vehicle and assist the Union to fund its operations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in the State to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, assuring that they were committed to partnering with the Governor.

“We remain dedicated partners in your vision for a new Abia, ready to tell the story of progress with accuracy, integrity, and pride,” the Council Chairman said.

He commended the Governor for his efforts in Infrastructural development and for changing the narrative in the governance of the state.

“Your Excellency, it is only right that we acknowledge the visible strides your administration has made across the State.

“Your commitment to infrastructural renewal, particularly in building roads, infrastructure, environmental sanitation, education, youth empowerment, and the restoration of order in our cities, among others, has rekindled public confidence in your governance.

“Your unwavering commitment to transparency is closely linked, and your repositioning of Abia as a hub for enterprise has not gone unnoticed.

“Indeed, your leadership is gradually redefining the narratives of our State,” Comrade Asonye said.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Chief Press Secretary, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Obinna Igwe, and other media aides to the Governor were present during the visit.