Oborevwori Must Face Delta Journalists Before His Tenure Ends – Otiti
……Condemns Governor’s Preference for National TV Platforms Over Delta-Based Media
Oborevwori Must Face Delta Journalists Before His Tenure Ends – Otiti
……Condemns Governor’s Preference for National TV Platforms Over Delta-Based Media
The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called on the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently convene a comprehensive press briefing for journalists and media practitioners in the state before the expiration of his tenure.
Otiti expressed disappointment over what he described as the governor’s persistent neglect of Delta based media organizations and practitioners, accusing the administration of paying more attention to national television stations while sidelining journalists operating within the state.
According to him, since the return of democratic governance in 1999, it has been a longstanding tradition for governors of Delta State to periodically engage local journalists through press briefings, interactive sessions, and media parleys aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and direct communication with the people.
He noted that previous administrations maintained a healthy relationship with media practitioners in the state by providing regular opportunities for journalists to seek clarifications on government policies, projects, and programmes.
Otiti, however, lamented that the current administration appears more interested in appearing on national television platforms such as ARISE News and Channels Television than engaging journalists who live and work in Delta State.
“It is unfortunate that the governor finds time to appear on national television interviews and morning programmes while ignoring the very journalists and independent media houses that operate within Delta State and report government activities on a daily basis,” he said.
The media executive described the situation as a disturbing departure from established democratic traditions in the state and argued that public officials should not overlook local media practitioners who serve as the closest link between government and the grassroots.
He further stated that the failure to regularly engage Delta journalists sends the wrong signal about the administration’s commitment to openness and accountability.
“The continued neglect of Delta media practitioners is not only disappointing but represents a serious disregard for the role of the press in a democratic society.
A governor who seeks national visibility must not forget the journalists at home who have consistently covered government activities and informed the people about policies and programmes,” Otiti stated.
He urged Governor Oborevwori to immediately organize a statewide press briefing where journalists from print, broadcast, online, and community media platforms would have the opportunity to interact directly with him and ask questions on issues affecting the state.
Otiti maintained that such engagement would help strengthen public confidence, promote transparency, and reaffirm the administration’s respect for the media as a critical stakeholder in governance.
“The governor owes Delta journalists this responsibility. Before the end of his tenure, he should sit down with the media community in Delta State and account for his stewardship.
Governance is not only about appearing on national television; it is also about respecting and engaging the media practitioners who work within your state and serve your people every day,” he added.
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