By Emma Okereh
The media has been charged to save Nigeria’s democracy by playing its role as the fourth estate of the realm by being a check between the three arms of government viz–the executive, legislature and the judiciary.
This charge was given by the former governor of Imo state, Chief Emeka Ihedioha at the 5th anniversary public lecture and Award dinner of the New National Star Newspapers, Wednesday, in Abuja.
Similarly, Ihedioha, who was also former deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, also charged the judiciary to uphold the tenets of being the hope of the hopeless and rekindling in the people trust and hope.
Ihedioha, who spoke while delivering his goodwill message as special guest of honour at the occasion, emphasized that if the media and the judiciary play their roles well and speak truth to power, Nigeria’s democracy will be strengthened and development of the country will flourish.
While contributing to the theme of the lecture, “Strengthening democratic Institutions and electoral system in Nigeria”, he said he had refrained from making comments on how he was removed as Governor by the Supreme Court but has since left it in the hands of God.
He stated that when institutions are strengthened and working optimally, the society will develop and democracy will be celebrated as no one will dare disrupt a system that works with inbuilt checks.
Earlier in his welcome address, the managing director of New National Star Newspapers, Dr Obinna Nwachukwu stated that the theme of the lecture was carefully selected.
He explained that five years existence of the paper has witnessed robust reportage and contributions to the nation’s development.
He explained that the paper is worried by the numerous challenges the country is faced with ranging from economic, political and infrastructural development. He further said that the annual lecture is the way the paper contributes to the development of the country by provoking discussions and assembling array of intellectuals and professionals to proffer solutions to the myriad of problems bedeviling the country.
At the occasion, the keynote address was delivered by the governor of Anambra state, Prof Chukwuma Soludo who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government ( SSG) while the public lecture was delivered by Pro Mike Ozekhome who was also represented by his son.
