By Ahmed Ahmed
Governor Bala Mohammed lauded the effort and the role of the media in building democratic culture , institutions and practices in the country.
The Governer made the commendation while speaking as the Chairman of public presentation of a book on the role of the “ Media and Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy: Threats , Constraints and Resilience.
The event was organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought on Thursday in Abuja.
Gov Mohammed who doubled as the Chairman and Chief Presenter of the groundbreaking book, was ably represented by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado.
Mohammed appreciated organizers, authors and editors of the book for a well researched scholarly endeavor which has a direct practical bearing on media development and the Nigerian democracy.
The Gov reminded the gathering how the Media supports the sustenance of our current democratic enterprise; how politicians relate to the Media while in office.
“The pragmatic relationship between politics , politicians and the media when their interests diverge.
He further lamented that the current debate in Nigeria regarding the place of the media in Nigeria’s democratic transformation and consolidation relate to the role of the media in empowering civic spaces.
“As well as strengthening democratic governance and the challenges the media face in engaging in such undertakings.
“ It is a known fact that politicians can sometimes be excessive in trying to constrain the media and in turn the media, especially in this age of new and social media, can be excessive, intolerant and volatile in defense of its space or territory.
Gov Mohammed charged practitioners of both domains to continually advocate for dialogue which will stimulate understanding , tolerance, respect and the spirit of give and take for the greater public good .
The however called on politicians , journalists and other Nigerians to make good use of the book, cautioning practitioners to shunt away bias reporting and remain steadfast with their professional ethics.
Earlier, the Chief Host, Dr. Sam Amadi applauded Governor Mohammed for his media friendly disposition and more on account of being a media practitioner and a politician which reflects the essential concern and trust of the book .
Amadi analyzes how the media is navigating Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria and its mediated democracy.
He said despite its constitutional role recognizable as the fourth estate of the realm, the Nigerian media has a history of confronting daunting challenges headlong.
The book written by Paul Obi was reviewed by professor Abiodun Adeniyi and the event was attended by renowned politicians, diplomats and media practitioners.
