Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has challenged the government and the media to meet at the point of truth, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Speaking at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, Mbah urged journalists to go beyond headlines and political narratives by independently establishing facts through evidence, investigation, and context. He stressed that government had a responsibility to be transparent about its actions and accountable for its results.
The conference, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, had the theme “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” with a sub-theme focusing on detecting and debunking AI misinformation during elections. Mbah stated that the relationship between government and the media should not always be defined by confrontation, but rather by a common obligation to serve the Nigerian people. He emphasized that both institutions had different responsibilities, but a shared goal of serving the people.
Mbah urged journalists to deepen investigative reporting, particularly in the face of artificial intelligence and other technologies that make it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated information. He warned that AI could be used to fabricate photographs, clone voices, and manipulate videos, increasing the responsibility of professional journalists. The governor challenged editors to go deeper, beyond the surface, and examine evidence to establish the truth.
According to Mbah, rigorous journalism should not involve searching for evidence to support a preconceived position, but rather examining evidence, testing competing claims, and reporting findings. He emphasized that the same standard should apply to government and its critics, stressing that government achievements should not be ignored simply because they did not fit a particular political narrative. Mbah highlighted his administration’s projects, including over 1,500 kilometers of roads and 7,000 classrooms.
The governor listed other interventions, including water infrastructure, new transport terminals, CNG buses, Enugu Air, and the revival of dormant industries. He stated that his administration was working to position Enugu as an economic gateway to the South-East, with the ambition of making the state one of Nigeria’s leading economies. Mbah acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government in areas such as roads, aviation, and regional development.
Mbah urged the editors to use their presence in Enugu to independently assess the developments in the state, exploring the city, speaking to residents, and getting a sense of the direction in which Enugu was moving. One of the highpoints of the opening ceremony was the presentation of a plaque for good governance to Governor Mbah by the Guild. The governor’s remarks were well-received by the over 300 editors in attendance.
The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference brought together editors from across the country to discuss the role of the media in keeping democracy alive. The conference provided a platform for editors to engage with government officials, discuss pressing issues, and share best practices. Mbah’s address set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government and the media.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has called on the government and media to work together to establish facts and report the truth.
- Mbah emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government, and urged journalists to deepen investigative reporting.
- The governor highlighted his administration’s projects and achievements in Enugu State, and urged editors to independently assess the developments in the state.
