By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says Federal Government’s respect for freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct.
Idris made this know during his remarks at at the Maiden Edition of the Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Friday in Abuja.
He said some politicians and citizens would always interpreted remarks by government officials out of context and spread fake news against the government, adding that this is unpatriotic.
“Our respect for freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct, even as we will continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom.
“Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do, as patriots and believers, is to make the point that relentless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
“If all we do is talk down on our country, it will no doubt influence our attitudes and actions and rob us of the enthusiasm and energy required to play our part in nation-building.
“We are not asking anyone to ignore or downplay the challenges in the country. Yes, we certainly have our challenges and reputational weaknesses, but we also have significant strengths and untapped potential.
“We will be making a grievous error, individually and collectively, if we choose to focus only on what is not working, and not balance it with equal attention on the things we are getting right.
“And we are getting a lot of things right as a nation, even amidst very difficult circumstances,” Idris stressed.
He further explained that the media have very important roles to play in helping entrench this balanced approach, through its reporting.
“And I will once again challenge you all who are gathered here, to live up to the great responsibility entrusted upon you, as shapers and drivers of public opinion.
“The late High Chief Dokpesi played his part, and did it in a way that will ensure his name will never be forgotten. The story of broadcasting in Nigeria can never be complete without recounting his contributions and exploits.
“This is our country, and even in its imperfections, it deserves our unwavering belief and respect, because no one else is going to build and develop it for us,” Idris said.
The Minister noted that Nigeria belongs to Nigerians, adding that in spite of our imperfections, the country deserves our unwavering belief and respect, because no one else is going to build and develop it for us.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that Idris was represented at the event by the Director-general of Nigerian Television Authority Malam Salihu Dembos.
Also speaking, the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku said, “the event is part of our efforts to live the Institute’s Act; in particular, promoting the culture of celebrating professional excellence and strengthening national integration, both of which the late Dokpesi epitomised.
“The NIPR, recently established the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), to intentionally and systematically promote reputation as a a core national asset of inestimable value.
“Late Chief Dokpesi played a very strong role in enhancing and defining the reputation of Nigeria at very critical points.
“In fact, Chief Dokpesi often intervened at critical points to save threatening situation that could have damaged the image and reputation of Nigeria.
“Prominent amongst this was on matters of sports hosting rights involving Nigeria,” Neliaku said.
He further explained that the date for the lecture is sacrosanct, because, Late Dokpesi was born on the Oct. 25.
He added that since October is the month designated by NIPR for hosting national lectures, it was only organic that it should adopt the date of Dokpesi birthday to celebrate his accomplishments while with us on earth.
In same vein, the Chairman of the Diamond Lecture Series, Dr Hassan Adamu said the fact that we have a stable political dernocracy,
forward-looking visions of people like Raymond private broadcasting had provided us with many perspective and holding leadership accountable to the people.
“These are the legacies of the likes of Raymond Dokpesi”. (NAN)