The Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has charged members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) to uphold the principles of objective, development and ethical journalism by reporting facts accurately in the telling of the Ijaw and Niger Delta story.
Otuaro gave the charge at the 2nd Ijaw Media Conference held in Warri, Delta State, where he was represented by Amb. Dr. Binebai Yerin Princewill, the National Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
According to him, the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and influencing governance, stressing that responsible journalism remains indispensable to the progress of any society. He expressed delight at the unity and resolve of Ijaw journalists to collectively project the Ijaw struggle from a dynamic and progressive perspective.
“I am happy that Ijaw journalists have boldly come together to champion the Ijaw struggle in a very dynamic perspective,” he said.
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Otuaro, while quoting former United States President, Thomas Jefferson, noted that the media possesses the power to build or undermine governments, underscoring the need for journalists to exercise such influence with a high sense of responsibility.
He stated that the emergence of the Ijaw Publishers Forum has helped to address years of distorted reportage of Ijaw history and the Niger Delta struggle by foreign and external media, adding that the narrative is gradually changing for the better.
The PAP coordinator, however, challenged Ijaw media practitioners to remain objective, truthful, accurate and fearless in their reportage in order to correct long-standing anomalies surrounding the Ijaw struggle.
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He further admonished members of the IPF to see themselves as brothers, imbibe love and unity, and work collaboratively in the discharge of their duties to achieve their collective goal.
