While acknowledging the impact and contribution of Radio Nigeria to national development through quality broadcasting, Diri said his government holds the FRCN in high esteem, describing it as national pride.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured that his administration will not gag the media, noting that a free press is integral for good governance.
Speaking on Thursday during the courtesy visit of the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mansur Liman, at the Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said the media helps to keep the government on its toes, especially through balanced reportage and constructive criticism.
While acknowledging the impact and contribution of Radio Nigeria to national development through quality broadcasting, Diri said his government holds the FRCN in high esteem, describing it as national pride.
He said: “For us, the press is one place that does not need any government interference. We need an open, free and responsible press as that is the only way government can be kept on its toes and be able to hear the other side of what they might not want to hear.
“There is no government that can claim to be perfect no matter how hard you work. Yes, we are working very hard to deliver on various projects and empowerment schemes that we have embarked upon. But you will still find loopholes. And who are those that find the loopholes? It is still the press.
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“So, if we have a responsible press that is not sarcastic, that is not vindictive, I will like to continue working with that press that will keep the government on its toes at all times.
“Radio Nigeria is a national pride. I believe it is indeed a voice of the people and an instrument of unity in this country.”
On the request of the FRCN DG for the state government’s support to site the station’s zonal office in Yenagoa in line with the initial policy of the organisation, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Information Orientation and Strategy to ensure the smooth relocation of the office to the state capital.
Diri equally directed the Commissioner to ensure that the station’s challenge of signal strength is addressed through the mounting of its antenna on the tower of the recently built Ernest Ikoli Media Complex.
Speaking earlier, the FRCN boss thanked the Diri administration for assisting its Creek FM station in many ways, including providing temporary office space and accommodating its antenna at the state’s broadcasting corporation complex.
He also commended the governor for building the iconic Ernest Ikoli Media Complex for the three media organs of the state, describing it as an uncommon gift to the press.