VP Shettima Urges Journalists To Speak Truth Without Antagonism

 

Charges journalists on courage to serve as the conscience of the nation

 

 

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Nigerian media professionals to focus on speaking the truth to power rather than engaging in antagonism against the government. He emphasized the critical distinction between holding the government accountable and fostering animosity, urging journalists to always strike a balance between their personal allegiances and their commitment to the truth.

Senator Shettima made this call on Saturday during the Public Presentation of the Book, “Persona Non Grata”, authored by seasoned journalist Ismail Omipidan. The event was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel. In his remarks, Shettima stressed that the media’s role is vital in serving the greater good and ensuring the welfare of society.

Speaking Truth vs. Antagonism

The Vice President explained that there is a difference between antagonizing the government and speaking truth to power. He said that the latter is driven by a noble principle aimed at the collective good of society. In contrast, antagonism is often self-serving and ultimately ineffective. He stated:

“What must be spelt out is that there is a distinction between antagonising a government and speaking truth to power. The latter is driven by a noble principle to serve a greater good and a deserving humanity. The former, on the other hand, is usually a self-serving exercise that fades into futility.”

Drawing from Plato’s “The Republic”, Shettima pointed out that intellectuals, especially journalists, must serve as the conscience of the nation. He argued that the media has a fundamental role in shaping the nation’s destiny and in holding both political institutions and individuals accountable.

Courage to Serve as Conscience

Further, Shettima emphasized the courage required to serve as the nation’s conscience. He remarked that true courage lies in telling the truth, even in the face of intense opposition. He warned that simply joining a smear campaign, even with superior facts, is not an act of courage, but rather an act of cowardice. He said:

“True courage is being able to tell the truth even in a congress of critics and bullies. The rush to partake in a smear campaign, even in the face of superior facts, is, of course, not an act of courage. This distinction sets courage apart from cowardice.”

The Vice President urged journalists to understand when and where to draw the line between courage and cowardice, stressing that integrity is key in upholding the truth.

Book as a Guide for Journalists

Describing Omipidan’s book, Persona Non Grata, as a “declaration of the price of adhering to noble principles even in the face of corrupting temptation,” Shettima praised the author for his unwavering commitment to integrity in journalism. He recommended the book to both practicing and aspiring journalists, encouraging them to find a balance between their allegiance to self and to truth.

The Vice President commended Omipidan for being an authentic voice in Nigerian journalism, one who refuses to compromise on his values in the pursuit of truth and accountability. He stated:

“The man on whose invitation we gather here today must not go down in our history as either a persona non grata or a provocateur. He has been an essential pillar of our interactions as a nation and has helped determine the direction our society is headed.”

Praise for the Book and Author

In his welcome remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, thanked the Vice President for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the book launch. He described Omipidan’s book as a compelling account of the author’s professional journey and personal values. Oyetola noted that the book serves as a profound commentary on the complexities of power and the forces shaping public perception in Nigeria.

Lasisi Olagunju, the Editor of Saturday Tribune, who reviewed the book, described it as a collection of 31 short chapters detailing Omipidan’s early life, career experiences, and the challenges he has faced in Nigerian journalism. The book also features a foreword by Prof. Farook Kperogi.

Gratitude from Omipidan

In his vote of thanks, Ismail Omipidan expressed gratitude to the Vice President for honoring his invitation. Reflecting on their first conversation about writing the book a decade ago, Omipidan recalled how Shettima encouraged him to write his story, noting:

“You have not seen anything yet; what are you writing about?”

Omipidan also praised Oyetola for his honesty and integrity, which he said influenced his decision to work with him when Oyetola served as Governor of Osun State.

Closing Remarks

In addition to the Vice President, others who made brief remarks included the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama, and Funke Egbemode, former President of the Guild of Editors. Both reflected on Omipidan’s dedication to ethical journalism and the role he has played in shaping the media landscape in Nigeria.

The event concluded with Omipidan’s book launch and a commitment to upholding the values of truth and integrity in Nigerian journalism.