From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Disturbed by poor condition of service by media practitioners in Nigeria, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has called on the Federal and State governments to capture Journalists in her future budgets, adding that the role they play towards social development is noticed than what most public office holders do.
Senator Anyanwu popularly known aa Sam Daddy made this Clarion call in Owerri, Imo State capital during the 13th year anniversary of Nigeria Newsguide Newspaper.
The Distinguished Senator who represented Imo East senatorial Zone in the Red Chamber between 2011- 2015 was ably represented by his Media Adviser, Ikenna Onuoha as he commended the Publisher of the newspaper, Mr. Chidi Emeagi for being resolute in sustaining the business despite the current economic crunch.
He charged management of the newspaper to continue to remain objective in their reportage, nothing that one of the core values of Journalism profession is to be neutral and carry everyone along.
Anyanwu wondered why upon the prominent role Journalists play in fostering peace and inform the masses on the day-to-day running of government programmes, some selfish individuals are still not happy with them nor appreciate their contributions.
According to him, “the success story of this country cannot be told without members of the fourth estate of the realm. If their role is to inform, educate and entertain the public, our people should accept it that way and reduce the rate of animosity against Journalists.”
“We should honour them for working under the sun and in the rain to source information for public consumption yet, government doesn’t care of giving their welfare a priority attention. The Federal and State governments should without further delay assist them through budgetary provision”.
