Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called on media practitioners to maintain transparency in their work as society’s watchdog, emphasizing the importance of holding political office holders accountable. He delivered this message at the opening of a 3-day retreat for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Press Corps, held at Eleventh House Hotel and Suites, Jericho, Ibadan, with the theme: ‘Role of the Media in Fostering Development in a Multi-party Democracy.’
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde highlighted the media’s central role in society, describing it as the foundation and guardian of societal values. He stated, “The media is supposed to hold those in government accountable.”
Media’s Role in Development
The governor noted that transparency and accountability from public officeholders are essential for societal development, which aligns with the media’s goal and society’s expectations. He stressed that pursuing the public interest is key to fostering development, and the media must remain independent, ensuring that its platforms are not influenced by those in power or misused by its practitioners.
Makinde said: “The media plays a critical role in development by holding those occupying public offices accountable, serving as the watchdog for society. If you don’t hold people accountable, they may do whatever they like and may not pursue the public interest. And public office holders, appointed or elected, are meant to work in the interest of the public.
“So, when the media does its job and holds those in political offices accountable, the likelihood of them working in the interest of the public is high.
“On the other hand, the media too must hold its members accountable, because the space the media is holding is the public space, and the media is holding it in trust for the people. So, there won’t be development if the media fails to work in the interest of the public.”
PDP Press Corps Chairman’s Remarks
In his welcome address, Mr. Samuel Ogidan, Chairman of the PDP Press Corps, explained that the retreat aimed to engage participants in conversations and training to prepare them for the evolving demands and complexities of political reporting, particularly in the era of digital disruption.
I think Governor Makinde should start by showing transparency in his own actions before preaching it to the media. #HypocrisyAlert
I dont buy it. Politicians like Makinde always talk a big game about transparency, but actions speak louder than words.
Actions may speak louder than words, but lets give credit where its due. Makinde is making strides.
I dont trust Makindes motives. Is he really pushing for transparency, or is this just a cover-up? #SkepticalMind
I think its all just for show. Politicians always talk about transparency but rarely practice what they preach.
Sadly, its easier to promise transparency than to actually deliver it. Actions speak louder.
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. Its like a fox telling chickens to guard the henhouse. Actions speak louder than words.
I think the media should hold Governor Makinde accountable by investigating his personal finances. Transparency goes both ways!
I think Governor Makinde should lead by example and release his financial records for transparency. Its not just about words.
I dont buy it. Politicians always say theyre for transparency, but do they really practice what they preach? Skeptical.
Actions speak louder than words. Hold them accountable for transparency. Stay skeptical, but demand honesty.
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. They often say one thing and do another. Actions speak louder than words.
I think Governor Makinde should lead by example and release his own financial records for transparency. Practice what you preach!
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. Theyre probably hiding something big behind all the talk. Stay skeptical, folks!
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. They always have hidden agendas. Lets not fall for their smooth talk.
I dont trust politicians pushing for media transparency. It feels like a distraction from their own shady dealings.
I dont buy it! Politicians preaching transparency to the media? What about their own shady deals? Hypocrisy at its finest!
I think Governor Makinde should lead by example and release his own financial records for transparency. Actions speak louder!
Agreed, transparency starts at the top. Show us your financial records, Governor Makinde!
I think Governor Makinde should lead by example and release his own financial records for full transparency.
I dont trust politicians who suddenly preach transparency. Whats Governor Makinde hiding? Lets dig deeper. Actions speak louder than words.
I dont buy it. Politicians always talk about transparency but rarely practice it. Whats Governor Makinde hiding? #TransparencyMyFoot
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. Makinde should lead by example, not just words. Actions speak louder!
Actions speak louder than words. Makinde must show transparency, not just talk about it.
I think Makindes transparency talk is just a cover-up for shady dealings. Can we really trust politicians anymore?
I think the media should hold politicians accountable, but also give credit where its due. Governor Makinde seems genuine.
I think Governor Makinde should lead by example and publish his own financial records for transparency. Show, dont just tell!
Agreed, actions speak louder than words. Transparency starts at the top. Lead by example, Governor Makinde!
I dont trust politicians preaching transparency. Theyre probably hiding something big. Stay woke, people! 🕵️♂️🔍
I dont buy it. Politicians always talk a good game about transparency, but actions speak louder than words. Show us real change, Governor Makinde!