Journalists Don’t Access Governors Through Proxies: A Personal Note To Gov Sheriff Oborevwori

By Emeka Nwokocha

It is 23 months now since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took the mantle of leadership as the Governor of oil rich Delta State.

Surprisingly, the photogenic Governor has not deemed it necessary to hold press briefing, even when he knows that such crucial meeting with journalists has become a norm in the governance system of the state.

Without mincing words, routine or quarterly press briefing, as the case may be, is a media event that avails journalists an opportunity to ask the Governor critical questions on burning issues and get undiluted response.

It is also a forum through which journalists appraise the government’s policies and how they are being implemented vis-à-vis their impacts on the people.

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No doubts, the Governor’s reluctance to hold press briefing is igniting a cloud of worries across the rank and file of journalist as uneasy calm pervades the media space.

Suffice it to say that it is not an acceptable norm for journalists to access the Governor through proxies.

Acknowledging the noble status of journalists as the fourth estate of the realm, it is unthinkable of any Governor to downplay the role of journalists in fostering a progressive democratic government.

On that note, Governor Oborevwori may not be setting a good precedence by failing to hold press briefing. He should not tread that hideous path.

I recall that Governor Oborevwori has on his team, a retinue of experienced journalists – some of them are serving as competent media aides.

Among them is an accomplished journalist and media guru, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor’s formidable Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

No doubts, these notable personalities have the capacity to advice and guide Governor Oborevwori on how to ride with journalists and get less of their “troubles.”

But since the Governor has unrepentantly stuck to his style – “Keep journalists at arm’s length,” would it be plausible to say that Governor Oborevwori does not heed the wise counsels of his media advisers? Or is it his style to-want-to “pocket” journalists in the state?

On a good note, Governor Oborevwori has continuously enjoyed good relationship with journalists in a platter of gold. Such favour is uncommon, so he should not toy with it!

On May 29, Governor Oborevwori will be two years in office and racing to complete his four years tenure.

As it has become a norm in the Delta State politics, Governor Oborevwori is sure to vie for second term.

That’s quite interesting and a welcome development for us who wish him success.

But he must not forget that routine Press Briefing is a necessary interactive forum between the Governor and journalists. He must not jettison this all-important media event.

I reiterate, Journalists don’t access a Governor through proxies. I urge Governor Oborevwori to change his style.