Insecurity: Onoja Tasks NGIJ on Investigative Reporting
Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward David Onoja has tasked investigative Journalists to support government’s efforts towards tackling insecurity by unraveling the mystery about the monster threatening national unity and peace coexistence.
Chief Edward Onoja made this call on Saturday while speaking at a Workshop organized by the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) held in Radisson Hotel Ikeja.
Kogi State Governor stated that Investigative Journalists through their independent research could unravel the root causes of the growing insecurity across the nation.
He however noted that Kogi State Government led by Governor Yahaya Bello has continue to fight kidnappers, bandits and other criminals rootless with view of keep the state safe and secured, despite sharing borders with nine states.
Onoja disclosed that Governor Yahaya Bello has enhanced security architecture in the state and integrated the locals, especially the vigilante to tackle criminals.
The Deputy Governor while felicitating with the guild on the success of the 2-Day Workshop for members nationwide, said NGIJ Governance Assessment in Kogi state two years ago helped correct misconceptions about Bello-led administration with facts and figures from the people.
His words: ”When we (Governor Yahaya Bello and his team) came to power in 2016, the political gladiators welcomed us with propaganda and blackmail. They used propaganda to fault every step taken by Governor Yahaya Bello administration. They said we’re owing 38 months salary and not implementing any project but the NGIJ changed the narrative with their objective, balanced and unbiased report.
”We conceded that areas where they rated us low are the aspects we need to improve on, especially on Civil servants salary management. However, I will challenge NGIJ to help us investigate issue of insecurity, state by state and the country as a whole. We need to work together to resolve this issue.”
