NUJ FELICITATES WITH GOV OKOWA ON SUCCESSFUL INAUGURATION, VOWS TO PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE

The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Delta State Council, has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, on their successful inauguration for a second term in office.

The union, is a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Secretary Comrade Churchill Oyowe, thanked God that the inauguration took place without any ugly incident, saying the mammoth crowd that graced the occasion at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, was a re-enactment of the electoral victory that gave the Governor and his deputy the second term ticket.

It noted that the Governor’s inaugural speech was a signpost for strengthening and consolidating the achievements recorded in his first term in office, adding that the council expected nothing less and would join hands to doggedly prosecute the Governor’s good governance promise that would be responsive to the aspirations of Deltans.

“Our constitutional mandate as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people” the statement said, adding that “We are glad the Governor has taken the initiative as in the past to herald his second term with a vow to continue with good governance and responsiveness. This is the hallmark of democracy and we believe it is the best approach to truly deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”

Continuing, the statement said, “While we earnestly pray for divine guidance in the choice of your political appointees to assist you prosecute the onerous tasks ahead to the joy and happiness of Deltans, we as a professional body pledge to key into that good governance and accountability initiative by ensuring that the various sectors of your administration are strictly monitored for compliance. It is a duty which we owe the people and we will not fail in it.”

The NUJ described the programmes of Governor Okowa in the next four years as promising, stressing that their fruition largely depended on the quality of support accorded the government, stressing the need for all, particularly the youth to take advantage of the opportunities to better their lots and advance the state for posterity.

The union used the occasion to call on its members to be professional and desist from every form of unethical practice in the course of constitutional duty, even as it encouraged them to be constructive and objective in their reportage.