Bello to newsmen: Expose irregularities in my government

The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Friday called for an open but constructive criticism by journalists.

Bellow said the exposure of any wrong and irregularity in his government will be welcomed.

Bello said this when he played host to members of the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, led by the Chairman, Mohammad Mohammad.

The members of the NUJ were on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Minna.

Bello said he will take responsibility for all appointments he has made so far.

According to him: “My government shall be open to constructive criticism to expose any wrongs of this government, but not criticism aimed at settling personal scores.

“Genuine and constructive criticism will help keep my government in check but criticising for no just reason or to settle personal scores will do no good.

“Anywhere we go wrong, I want the journalists to expose it so far what you write has no personal intention.

“I am very happy that you (NUJ) have come up to improve the reputation of journalists.

“If any thing goes wrong and I do not take action, you can hold me responsible.”

While urging journalists to help in educating the people of the state, Bello stated that there are over four million people in Niger State and not all of them will be appointed to serve in his government.

However, Bello urged journalists to bring in credibility to the profession to make sure journalism is not use as a tool for blackmail so that the dignity of the practitioners would be sustained.

Earlier, Mohammad had assured the governor of best practices, adding that there is an Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in place to check the activities of practitioners in the state.