Stop Clapping But Investigate, Ask Questions ~ NIJ Deputy Provost Cautions Journalists

Stop Clapping But Investigate, Ask Questions ~ NIJ Deputy Provost Cautions Journalists

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Deputy Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Dr Dele Omojuyigbe, has cautioned Nigerian journalists to stop the habit of clapping to politicians’ speeches but rather investigate them and ask appropriate questions.

Omojuyigbe made this remark while addressing the politicians and journalists at an event held in NIJ, Lagos, tagged, “The Town Hall Symposium with 2023 Lagos State Gubernatorial Candidates,” organized by the Societal Concern in conjunction with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

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He said that it is unethical for a reputable journalist to cheer or celebrate politicians while covering a political event, adding that such action is unpatriotic and it is a revelation of biases.

He said, “I have said many times that if you want to join politics, join politics and leave journalism. The moment you join politics, we know you are a politician, but you can not claim to be a journalist and still be a politician.”

“Are you doing the right thing as a journalist? Are you taking people to account? Are you asking questions? Are you ready to go for investigation? Are you sure as a journalist that if you are called to investigate, won’t you be the person to be investigated because of your own corrupt attitude,” he said.

The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Lagos State, Jim-Kamal Olarenwaju Olalekan, who had earlier spoken on his political agenda, said automated free education at all levels would be one of his five-planned agendas for the people of Lagos State if he emerged as the next governor.

Olalekan added that automated free health services at the world level; infrastructural facilities to be developed into international standards and social security, women emancipation and youth empowerment with the restructuring of the tertiary institutions in the state.

“We don’t need the fourth mainland bridge in Lagos. What we need is to restructure the old ones,” he said.