ADMCA advises Soludo on govt.-media relationship, presents 14-point agenda ahead his inauguration

Ayodele Olalere

Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA), Anambra State chapter, on Friday presented a 14-point agenda to the incoming governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo ahead of his inauguration.

The President, ADMCA, Dr. Harris Chuma-Odili, while presenting the agenda at a press briefing in Anambra urged the incoming governor to avoid a ‘divide and rule tactics’ in his government, adding the government should carry the media along in it’s activities.

“Government must engender a relationship that speaks partnership and not a master-slave rapport and this can be achieved with the re-orientation of government’s media team. Avoid ‘divide and rule’ tactics. The media team of the government must avoid the habit of creating cliques with a view to dividing the media body, because it is counterproductive and breeds enemies where there should be none, ” Chuma said.

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He also admonished the governor-elect to create an open policy between the government and the media by making it accessible to members of the press.

“Regular town hall meetings with media men should form part of the government’s culture in propagating its agenda.  Government and its officials should embrace live broadcast strategy and encourage the media to transmit the same via their social media handles.

Government must avoid gagging the media and or banishing those perceived as enemies from state functions. It creates room for enemies of the government to find willing tools to do their bidding,” he added.

He also urged the media to be “responsive, responsible and result-driven rather than self-serving.

“Media must help the government communicate its agenda in critical areas like revenue generation. Media should critique, not criticise.  Let criticisms reveal alternatives and solutions to problems.

The media was further advised to be watchwords  of government activities by holding them accountable concerning abuse of office.

While urging the media and government to form partnership, he said such partnership would lead to progress in the state

He advised Soludo to avoid the temptation to gag the media, adding “without freedom, the media will not be able to perform its responsibility.’