2023 Election: Benue NUJ Commences Media Engagement With Gubernatorial Aspirants

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue state chapter, today flagged off the maiden edition of Gubernatorial Campaign Interactive Forum (M-GIF) at the Council Secretary, Makurdi.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Council, Comrade Steven Ijoh explained that the program which is to last for two weeks is intended to provide a platform for all Governorship contenders in Benue State to tell the people of the State what they have in stock for them. 

In his remark, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume represented by Minority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Honorable Bem Mngutyo charged NUJ to ensure balance in the exercise by engaging aspirants across political parties.

Dr. Chris Orngu of the department of History, Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, faulted zoning of Governorship position, saying it is a strategy by the political class to manipulate things.

Orngu pointed out that there is a disconnect between leaders and people at the grassroots which makes it difficult for them to know what the people need. 

He called for a proper leadership recruitment process that would create room for participatory democracy, adding that religion and ethnicity should be discarded in order to put in place, genuine political actors.

While calling on Journalists to report both positive and negative issues in the society to correct leaders, Dr. Orngu asserted that Benue State and Nigeria, in general, need vibrant masses to checkmate bad governance.

On his part, Caretaker Chairman of the Voice Chapel, Comrade Ajayi Kume appreciated Journalists for their commitment towards ensuring good governance and urged them to sustain it throughout the program.