'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has made a strong appeal to media practitioners across Nigeria to take on a more proactive role in holding the government accountable. During a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Monday in Abuja, Alhaji Gabam emphasized the critical need for accurate and comprehensive reporting to curb the ongoing recklessness within the government and its agencies.
Alhaji Gabam welcomed the ACOE delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Martins Odiete, and expressed his appreciation for the essential role the media plays in sustaining democracy. He noted that the lack of adequate reporting on critical issues has contributed to a lack of accountability in the government, creating a dangerous environment where public officials act with impunity, assuming that the populace remains uninformed about the country's true state.
"The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, is vital in our democracy," said Alhaji Gabam. "If the media can enhance public enlightenment and adhere strictly to fact-based reporting, it will compel everyone in positions of power to act responsibly. We must ensure that the truth is not concealed, as it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our nation."
He urged media professionals to approach their duties with patriotism, emphasizing that the current challenges Nigeria faces—such as bigotry, extremism, and corruption—are man-made and can be corrected through transparency and accountability.
SDP’s Commitment to Strengthening Democracy
In his address, Alhaji Gabam reiterated the SDP's commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. He outlined the party's efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and a fair political environment, ensuring that Nigeria's democratic process is inclusive and representative of all citizens, regardless of background.
He also touched on the evolving nature of Nigeria's political landscape, highlighting the need for political parties to adapt creatively to these changes. Alhaji Gabam critiqued the perceived independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pointing out the influence of the executive branch over its operations. Despite these challenges, he noted that the SDP has strategically positioned itself to address these issues by reorganizing its image, engaging the best candidates, and making significant strides in electoral victories.
"The SDP is a reference point today in terms of growth," he stated. "We are the first party in Nigeria to have a digital studio, equipped to transmit, edit, and cover events using drones. While we may not have the logistical might to challenge the dominance of the APC and PDP outright, we are meeting the challenge head-on."
Alhaji Gabam also emphasized the importance of voter education and the need to challenge the pervasive influence of money in politics. He called for practical sacrifices to protect the integrity of Nigeria's democratic process, encouraging citizens to exercise their voting rights and ensure that their votes are counted and protected.
ACOE’s Agenda and Upcoming Investiture
In response, Mr. Martins Odiete, Chairman of ACOE, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and outlined the association's purpose, which includes promoting the activities of vibrant organizations like the SDP. He introduced ACOE as a growing organization with around sixty credible members, dedicated to increasing the visibility of forward-thinking organizations.
Mr. Odiete also announced ACOE’s upcoming investiture program to mark its second anniversary in February 2025, seeking the partnership and sponsorship of the SDP for the three-day event. He assured that this partnership would offer significant exposure to the SDP through ACOE's extensive network.
Alhaji Gabam assured the ACOE delegation of the SDP's readiness to support the investiture, pledging that the party would be on board once a formal request is submitted.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering a partnership that will positively contribute to Nigeria's democratic process, emphasizing the critical role of the media in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
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