Nigerians have been told to hold their leaders accountable by demanding transparent and productive governance for the overall good of the entire populace.
Editor-in-Chief 9NEWS NIGERIA, Mr Obinna Ejianya, made this call during a public enlightenment programme for journalists in Awka, Anambra State.
Ejianya, who emphasised the media’s crucial role in ensuring that leaders are held responsible for their actions, charged the news reporters to prioritise accountability and report facts without compromise.
He stated: “As journalists, it is our responsibility to ensure that those in power are held to account, and we must report the truth without compromise. This commitment to undiluted news and information is essential for fostering good governance and transparency.”
Highlighting his organisation’s political neutrality, Ejianya told the attendees at the event that his organisation, 9NEWS NIGERIA, has never been funded by any political or interest groups, which he said has gone a long way to help them maintain neutrality in their publications.
Ejianya also underscored the importance of citizens’ involvement in the governance process, noting that the electorate must be vigilant and proactive in monitoring the actions of those they have elected into office.
He explained that democracy thrives when citizens actively participate, questioning and evaluating the decisions and policies of their leaders, while encouraging the public to leverage the power of social media positively to amplify their voices and demands for good governance.
According to Ejianya, the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for citizens to engage with their leaders, share information, and mobilise for collective action.
He urged Nigerians to use these platforms responsibly, ensuring that their demands are based on verified facts and constructive dialogue.
Ejianya touching on the critical role of civil society organisations in holding leaders accountable, stressed the need for collaboration between the media, NGOs, and the general public.
The media executive also called for a renewed commitment from all stakeholders, journalists, citizens, and civil society group, to build a culture of accountability in Nigeria.
He reiterated that without sustained pressure and vigilance from the public, efforts to achieve productive governance could falter, leaving the nation vulnerable to continued mismanagement and corruption.
Ejianya, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and high-quality journalism, stated that 9NEWS NIGERIA is playing a pivotal role in promoting accountability and good governance.
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He encouraged all Nigerians to engage actively in the democratic process, noting that the media, alongside an informed and vigilant public, is essential in driving meaningful change.
At the event, some correspondents of the news medium were introduced, including Promise Okongwu, Mary Ann, Igwe Ogbonna, and Pascal Nwankwo, as Mr. Wisdom Nwedene, an editor from the Ebonyi/Enugu Bureau, urged them to engage in thorough investigative work and adhere strictly to journalistic ethics.
He further emphasised the importance of balanced reporting to foster trust between the media and the public.
According to Nwedene, maintaining impartiality and presenting all sides of a story is crucial for sustaining credibility and ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged.
