Criticize, hold leaders accountable to promote Democracy- APC Chairman to Journalists 

From Attah Ede Makurdi 

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) -led Federal Government has continued to work toward strengthening the nation’s economy, improving security, and building inclusive national development to advance democracy in Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the party , Nentawe Yilwatda stated this on Thursday in Makurdi at the 2025 Press Week/ Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Benue State Council.

The APC national Chairman who spoke as a guest speaker on the theme: “Strengthening the Media for Credible Reporting and Democratic Accountability”, was represented by the state APC chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale. 

He urged journalists to engage in constructive criticism, hold government and leaders accountable so as to promote democracy, peace, justice, and national development.

He affirmed that democracy cannot thrive where journalism becomes partisan, sensational, or driven by unverified narratives, stressing that media practitioners should use their pen to build  a nation than to break it.

“Government and political parties including our own APC must accept criticism. It is a vital part of democracy.

But criticism must be rooted in facts, not propaganda.

“Nigeria needs journalists who; verify before publishing, prioritize national unity above political rivalry and power accountable without becoming political actors. 

“Use the pen to heal society, not divide it because when the press loses objectivity, the nation loses direction” , he said.

Earlier, in his welcome remark, the State chairman of NUJ, Benue State council, Bemdoo Ugber, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of journalists in the State.

He noted that under Alia’s administration for over two years no journalist in the state has been harassed, intimidated, detained, or killed. 

“You graciously donated a brand-new Toyota bus to the union, approval for weigh in allowance and the renovation of the NUJ Secretariat, 

“The work we believe will commence before the end of this year while your infrastructural transformation across Benue State remains monumental, visible, and deeply appreciated”, he said.