Amidst frosty relationship with the media, Kaduna State Government on Thursday said it would work towards bridging existing gaps for a harmonious working relationship.
Saidu Adamu, the Counsellor to Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i on Information and Communication, made the commitment at an interactive session with journalists held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna.
He said that both the government and the media are working for the people; as such there is need for synergy to ensure that information passed to the general public is for the common good of all.
Mr Adamu stressed that working together was important, as people rely on the media for information that shapes their opinions and perceptions about most issues, particularly those that had to do government.
The official, however, cautioned the media against subjectivity, stressing that “”if you don’t report objectively then we shall continue to have crisis in this country.’’
He said that media practitioners must not compromise objectivity, saying that subjective and fake reports by mainstream media had led to war in some countries.
“Eighty percent of peace depends on God and journalists; the sensational stories we are writing is causing a lot of division in the country, so it is high time for us to understand that we are causing problems, some for personal, political or financial reasons,” he said.
Mr Adamu stressed that media practitioners must avoid the temptation to be used by politicians or government to distort the truth or create friction, adding that they have a stake to ensure peace in the state and country ahead of the general elections.
“I plead with you to understand where the government is coming from and what it is doing,’’ he urged.
Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ in the state, Adamu Yusuf said the union had made sustained efforts in the past to ensure synergy between members and government and expressed hope that the latest move would be sustained.
He said that it was important for the government to be more open and brief the media on a monthly basis on its programmes and limitations.
The chairman assured that journalists in the state would continue to discharge their responsibilities professionally and in the best interest of the people.
NAN
