Omeri: Democracy at Risk Without Independent, Ethical Media

Former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Mike Omeri, has warned that democracy cannot survive without a free, independent, and reputable press.

Speaking during a media thanksgiving service at ERCC Gloryland in Lafia on Sunday, Omeri stressed that Nigerian journalists face mounting challenges in upholding professional ethics, and society suffers when the press is undermined.

Omeri cautioned against the growing influence of corruption in journalism, popularly referred to as “brown envelope” practices. He argued that when the media succumbs to undue influence, the peace and harmony of society are put at risk.

“Maintaining media freedom is essential to protecting democracy and advancing national growth,” he said, urging journalists to strengthen their understanding of democratic values while rejecting unethical shortcuts.

He also linked the rise of junk journalism to harassment and intimidation of journalists, calling on Nigeria’s political class to treat the media as a partner in progress.

The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, lauded the press for sustaining Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the Fourth Republic began.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) State Chairman, Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali, represented by Juliana Ofokwu, and the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Sule, Mr. Ibrahim Addra, commended journalists’ professionalism and promised continuous support for governance-focused programs.

In his sermon, Dr. Nawani Aboki, Chairman of Breeze FM Lafia, urged the public to support journalists in delivering quality reporting, stressing that effective journalism requires cooperation between media and citizens.

He also warned against unethical behavior that erodes public trust. Echoing this, church associate Rev. John Godiyacalled for responsible journalism that fosters social harmony rather than division, adding that collaboration between the press and the public is essential for Nigeria’s development.