ALTHOUGH efforts by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to ensure better remuneration package for journalists are yet to bear fruits, there is a willing protagonist in the struggle in the person of Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.'It is an irony that journalists, considering their enormous responsibility and the risk they face, are among the least remunerated professional groups in the country. This is not fair. They certainly deserve better. I am calling on employers of journalists, especially media houses, to review journalists' package. Their work will be greatly enhanced when they are comfortable.'Aregbesola made this submission last Monday in Osogbo during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Osun State chapter of the NUJ. The highpoint of the occasion was the decoration of Aregbesola as the Grand Patron of the state NUJ council.While appreciating the decision of the union to honour him, the governor said he was a little bit 'uncomfortable at first at the idea of being your grand patron. With your being the Fourth Estate of the Realm and a watchdog and I being the governor of the State of Osun, there is bound to be mutual antagonism between us at some point,' he explained.He however expressed optimism that journalists in Osun would always play their role as expected 'of you with your integrity intact. It is therefore with great honour and a deep sense of humility that I accept this honour being bestowed upon me today. I have become part of you now and more than ever, I will take greater interest in your welfare and matters that concern you,' the governor promised.Earlier in his speech entitled, Journalists yesterday, today and forever, the governor acknowledged what he termed 'invaluable support' towards realising 'my mandate and rescuing our state from political bandits.'Many of you risked everything, including putting your life on the line. Some of you were targeted for assassination, unlawful incarceration, harassment and sundry deprivation because you refused to be compromised.'This is in line with the finest tradition of journalistic practice in the country dating back to the anti-colonial struggle of legends like Hubert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe; the anti-military and pro-democracy struggle of immediate post-independence; and the current struggle to rollback tyranny and consolidate democracy in our nation.'While attributing his victory 'over the forces of despotism and retrogression' to the forthrightness and uncompromising stand of the media for truth, Aregbesola however, expressed regret that 'a tiny section of the media is still being used to perpetrate falsehood, cause disaffection and bring dishonour to the media.'Explaining further, he said, 'these are media outfits that have constituted themselves into stumbling blocks and are being used as the arrowheads of diabolical attacks against my government and the good people of the State of Osun.'According to him, he is not averse to opposition and criticisms. 'What I consider dishonourable is fabrication of stories and publication of falsehood,' he asserted.He recalled how 'the defeated opposition tried to create a storm in a teacup out of my travels outside the country. But the nadir of their infamy was when they published the lie that I had been travelling abroad to receive treatment for cancer. This is imponderable. How could an institution, so noble, so ennobling, so revered and so venerated lend itself to such an unspeakable evil''I understand that some of these media outfits gave their staff the mandate to source for a number of negative reports about my government on a weekly basis. That is not a problem as far as I am concerned. If a reporter saw a truth and published it, it is for the good of the society, as long as the principles of fairness and balance are followed.'What is unacceptable is to embark on creative writing and invention of stories in order to discredit a good and legitimate government. Is it any surprising that a house built with spittle is being demolished by dew' You cannot build anything on falsehood and expect it to stand. Sooner or later, it will crumble. It is divine judgement, which no one can escape.'He therefore counseled journalists 'to approach your duty with the fear of God and the finest ideals of journalism as practiced in the past in a way that has distinguished the institution and brought honour and glory to the profession.'Let truth be your watchword at all times. It is only truth that can stand the test of time and make those who disagree with you to earn your respect. Motive is also important. The questions to always ask are these: is my intention to build or destroy; is my quest for the public good or evil; will it liberate people or keep them in bondage; will it strengthen the hands of dictators or extend the frontiers of freedom; is it progressive or reactionary, etc
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