Speak Truth to Power Without Antagonizing Government -Shettima to Journalists

Speak Truth to Power Without Antagonizing Government -Shettima to Journalists
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian journalists to focus on objectively speaking truth to power without necessarily antagonizing the government. 
He urged media professionals to strike a balance between their personal convictions and their commitment to truth.
Speaking at the public presentation of a book titled Persona Non Grata on Saturday, authored by veteran journalist Ismail Omipidan, the Vice President emphasized the importance of journalism in nation-building. The event took place on Saturday at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel.
Shettima explained the difference between antagonizing the government and speaking truth to power, noting that the latter is driven by a noble desire to serve the greater good, while the former often lacks purpose and fades into irrelevance.
“There’s a clear distinction between criticizing the government for personal reasons and speaking truth to power for the benefit of society. The goal of journalism should always be to promote a functioning and accountable nation,” he said.
Quoting Plato’s The Republic, Shettima emphasized that journalists, as part of the intellectual class, must serve as the conscience of the nation.
He stressed that no political leader can excel beyond the information available to them and called on journalists to provide truthful, unbiased insights.
“We need courageous journalists who are unafraid to tell the truth while maintaining integrity and avoiding compromise. The line between courage and cowardice is crucial, and true courage lies in sticking to facts even in challenging situations,” the Vice President added.
He commended Omipidan for exemplifying these values throughout his career and described Persona Non Grata as a thought-provoking book that highlights the challenges of maintaining integrity in journalism.
Shettima recommended the book to journalists and professionals seeking a balance between personal interests and public responsibility.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, who hosted the event, praised Omipidan for his dedication and integrity.
He described the book as more than a memoir, calling it a profound reflection on the complexities of power and the role of the media in shaping society.
The book’s reviewer, Lasisi Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune, noted that the 31 chapters offer insights into Omipidan’s life and career. He praised the author’s ability to reflect on his experiences in both the private and public sectors.
In his remarks, Omipidan thanked Vice President Shettima for attending the event and acknowledged his long-standing encouragement to write the book.
He also expressed gratitude to Oyetola, under whom he served as Chief Press Secretary during Oyetola’s tenure as Governor of Osun State.
Other speakers at the event, including Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and Funke Egbemode, former President of the Guild of Editors, commended Omipidan for his professionalism and contributions to journalism.
Photo Credit, Vice President Kashim Shettima,
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