I will not build a team of aides without the input of NUJ – Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has stated that he will not appoint members to his team of aides without the input of the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The governor made this announcement on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Aboiodun noted the decision was part of a move to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in his administration.
Having assumed office for his second term in May, Governor Abiodun has not taken a deliberate approach to selecting his team.
Speaking at the press conference, Governor Abiodun emphasized the significance of journalists’ perspectives in shaping his administration’s communication strategy and ensuring effective governance.
He said “I want to announce to you that my new media team will be unveiled in the next couples of hours, to begin a new pattern of relationship and interaction with you in total departure from the past.
“We will not build a team of aide without the input of NUJ. We will seat together and look at things.”
“As critical stakeholders in the polity of Ogun State and the business of governance, in line with section 22 of the 1999 constitution as amended, your role as watchdog and essential partners in progress can never be overemphasized.
“I want to commend your consciousness for professionalism, by being objective and patriotic in your reportage with focus of building a strong socioeconomic bridge for our dear state and for the coming generations.
Aboidun added “This fundamental principle of journalism as illumination of the society is regrettably defeated if criticism is based on malice, parochial tendency and self aggrandizement; such is destructive and a disservice to our collective aspirations and desires.
The governor pledged to continue to support the union in all ways.
“However, I want to implore the leadership of the NUJ and heads of various chapels to always try and encourage their members to be always objective and responsible in their reportage as the real conscience of the society that you are, especially those who are working for various online platforms.
“On our part as a Government, we shall continue to support your union in all ways possible to ensure you seamlessly deliver your statutory obligations in a media friendly environment and without any form of intimidation whatsoever”, he added.
