By Ngwuoke Ngwuoke
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, South East Nigeria, says that he is the most blackmailed politician in the country.
Uzodimma said that so many negative things have been said and written about him without anyone investigating to establish the truth, adding that some people have even called him an idiot.
The Governor was speaking at a dinner in Government House, Owerri to mark the end of the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference in the State capital.
Uzodimma, who was reacting to some negative reports about his administration declared: “I come from a family of traditional rulers. My father was a traditional ruler and I am related to the present traditional ruler in my community. Coming from such a background, how can I be an idiot?
“I am not saying that people should not write what they want to write but they should hear my story before they publish.
“People should hear my story and criticize me where I do wrong and also commend me I when I perform well.” he added.
Uzodimma called for a constructive partnership between the Media and political class for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
He regretted that for long most critics of the administration and some sections of the Media have focused on lamentations and complaints.
“Enough of these complaints. People should spend time to discuss strategies and modalities for correcting anomalies in the country instead of crying over split milk.
Uzodimma acknowledged the challenges of Media ownership affecting the performance of some practitioners and suggested a regulatory framework to put both media owners and workers in check.
“Democracy is the best form of government anywhere in the world and democracy cannot triumph if the Media do not live up to expectations”, the Governor remarked.
The dinner Gala Nite, which drew the curtain of the conference, also witnessed induction of New Members and Fellows awards to deserving Senior Editors in Print, Electronic and Online Media platforms.
Over 300 Editors attended the 18th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria.
