By Mercy Aikoye
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged journalists covering the National Assembly to promote balanced reporting by highlighting Nigeria’s achievements while holding government accountable for its shortcomings.
Kalu gave the charge during the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps, on Thursday where he challenged the media to go beyond reporting challenges and also showcase opportunities and positive developments in the country.
The Deputy Speaker said Nigeria’s global image could be strengthened when the media gives attention to areas where the country is making progress alongside constructive criticism of government policies.
He recalled discussions with foreign diplomats, including European Union ambassadors, who expressed concerns over the gap between Nigeria’s vast opportunities and the narratives often projected internationally.
“Can we write about what makes Nigeria good? Can we project the opportunities in Nigeria? Can we tell the good stories of what this current administration is doing? Is that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right?” he asked.
Kalu stressed that responsible journalism should reflect both the challenges and achievements of the country, noting that highlighting progress does not undermine the media’s watchdog role.
He also urged the parliamentary press to continue informing Nigerians about the role of the legislature in strengthening democracy through lawmaking, oversight, representation, public hearings and engagement with citizens.
According to him, journalists covering the parliament have a special responsibility because their reports shape public understanding of legislative activities.
“The words you write unite. The power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion and inspiring patriotism,” he said.
Kalu described the House Press Corps as an elite group of journalists, saying parliamentary reporting requires professionalism, accuracy and a strong understanding of democratic processes.
He commended members of the Corps for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring that Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora have access to credible information about the activities of the legislature.
The Deputy Speaker also attributed part of Nigerians’ confidence in democracy to the media’s coverage of government institutions, saying credible reporting helps citizens understand and appreciate democratic governance.
He assured the press of the parliament’s continued support for press freedom and professional journalism.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for promoting openness and accessibility in the House through improved engagement with the media.
Rotimi described the parliamentary press as a critical partner in democracy, noting that journalists help citizens understand legislative debates, oversight activities and the impact of laws on their daily lives.
He urged members of the Press Corps to uphold the values of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.
In his acceptance speech, the re-elected Chairman of the House Press Corps, Comrade Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the new executive would sustain professional reporting while strengthening collaboration with the House leadership.
Onadiran said the Corps had, in the past two years, built a strong relationship with the leadership of the 10th Assembly without compromising journalistic ethics.
He thanked the House leadership for its support and disclosed that the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs had introduced a health insurance scheme for members of the Press Corps, describing it as a significant milestone.
The newly inaugurated executive members include Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa as Vice Chairman, Nicholas Kalu as Secretary, Saheed Badmus as Financial Secretary, Adah Onah as Treasurer, Gift Chapi-Odekina as Assistant Secretary, Nsikak Evans Udoukpong as Welfare Secretary and Tope Balogun as Welfare Officer.
