Chief facilitator for the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described the Nigerian journalists as the true fighters for democracy, stressing that without the support of the media the struggle for democracy in Nigeria would have come to nought. He said this at a reception organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in honour of two of their members, Messrs. Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu who were recently appointed Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity respectively.
Tinubu who chaired the occasion was represented by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. He extolled both Adesina and Shehu, describing them as two journalists who dared to fight on the side of truth and the people. “One thing I know about these two men is the power of their conviction and their unflinching commitment to what they believe in. Adesina comes to you with a smile but his pen does not smile at all. He wrote for the Sun newspaper but by the time he finishes with you in his column, you would think you are under the rain.
“As for Shehu, he is one of the simplest and unassuming journalists whose fidelity and loyalty to what he believes in is outstanding. I have no doubt that both men are progressive in their thinking and philosophy and I am particularly happy that their colleagues took time out to honour them”, he said.
He advised them not to toe the path of media managers who rather than help improve the image and publicise the works of their principals, go about making enemies for them.
The Acting President of the Guild, Garba Deen Muhammad, said this was the first time the Guild was honouring members who got political appointments. According to him, singling out these two media icons was a function of what they represent in the elite editors’ club.
He described them as thorough professionals and worthy ambassadors of the media, stressing that the job which they were appointed to do is a challenging one especially at this time in the life of the nation when she is striving to transit from one realm of orientation to another. He was quick to attest to their ability and competence which he said is already manifesting in their conduct on the job.
