With two years past as a Governor of the state, the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has released a press statement assessing the administration’s performance under the “MORE” Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, praising key developmental strides while sharply criticizing the government’s lackluster media engagement strategy.
In the statement signed by Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu, the NUJ acknowledged significant milestones recorded across critical sectors.
These include the implementation of the new minimum wage, timely payment of salaries and pensions, youth and women empowerment programs, as well as visible infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and flood control systems.
“The administration has demonstrated both capacity and commitment to governance,” the Council stated, adding that Governor Oborevwori had surpassed the expectations of skeptics who doubted his ability to deliver.
However, the Union warned that these achievements risk being undermined by a widening communication gap between the state government and the media, raising concerns about transparency, inclusiveness, and constitutional accountability.
Unfulfilled Expectations from the Press
While acknowledging the governor’s 100% increase in stipends to a segment of journalists as a symbolic gesture of support, the NUJ emphasized that the broader media community remains underserved.
“This gesture, though modest, is appreciated. Yet, it has not addressed the expectations of journalists in Delta State,” the statement read.
Citing Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the press to hold government accountable to the people, the NUJ criticized the administration’s selective and inconsistent media engagement.
It noted the absence of structured platforms for press interactions and pointedly observed that past administrations, particularly those of Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, set a higher standard through institutionalized quarterly press briefings and inclusive media parleys.
“Even former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa made efforts in this regard, though lacking consistency and inclusion,” the Union noted. “The current administration has allowed this tradition to lapse.”
No Reciprocity Despite Goodwill
The Council further expressed disappointment that despite its public goodwill gesture last year, placing a congratulatory message in a national newspaper, there has been no reciprocal effort by the government to enhance dialogue with the media.
“If left unaddressed, this disconnect could erode public trust and affect how this administration is ultimately remembered,” the NUJ cautioned.
A Call for Recalibration
Describing its intervention as constructive rather than confrontational, the NUJ called on Governor Oborevwori to recalibrate his media strategy by institutionalizing regular, statewide press engagements.
These, the Union said, should include live broadcasts, radio and television briefings, and open interactions with journalists from diverse platforms.
“This is not about self-interest or hostility. It is a professional and constitutional call for more transparency, inclusivity, and mutual respect,” the Union emphasized.
The NUJ reaffirmed its willingness to collaborate with the state government in fostering a democratic culture of openness and accountability, warning that the time to act is now.