Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, Honorable Mathew Kolawole has called for understanding on the part of the media with the Kogi State Government on the many negative reports coming from the State which he likened to the washing of its dirty linens in the public.
This was coming against the backdrop of the many media bashings on the State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello due to his many administrative lapses.
Speaking after presiding over the maiden plenary of the assembly on assuming the speakership position, Kolawole said as lawmakers they are not stooges of the Governor adding that they are only trying to ensure a cordial working relationship with the executive which he said was sacrosanct.
He said, “The government is young, you cannot judge their performance in one year, you can only do that after about two years. 1st they have to plan, the media has to be patient.”
He challenged the media to also ensure they crosscheck their information before going to press adding that the State cannot continue with negative reports because it blows nobody any good wind.
Kolawole expressed his disappointment with the social media especially with many of the false posturing of the happenings in the State in spite of the many developmental projects by the present administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.
To further cement his new relationship with the media he promised to hold monthly press briefing with them on activities for each month to keep them abreast with the proceedings.
According to him he will operate an opened door policy saying the newsmen are free to call his line directly on any matter for crosschecking and balancing of stories.
He said it was for that purpose he has chosen one person from among them; Femi Olugbemi as his chief press secretary.
He said, “We will continue to make laws to benefit the electorates at the various constituencies.”
Credit: nationalupdate.com.ng
