…say balanced journalism should spotlight progress as well as shortcomings
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on journalists to strike a balance in their reporting by highlighting Nigeria’s strengths and opportunities while continuing to hold government accountable where necessary. 
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja, Kalu said the media has a crucial role in shaping both local and international perceptions of Nigeria and should ensure that the country’s achievements receive as much attention as its challenges.
Reflecting on his recent engagements abroad, the Deputy Speaker said foreign diplomats had questioned why positive developments in Nigeria were often overshadowed by negative narratives.
“Let me also say this. I’ve travelled around recently and had conversations about Nigeria outside our country. Two days ago, I was with the European Union ambassadors, and one of the questions they raised was: Nigeria is so blessed, with so many opportunities; why is it that the analyses there are not projecting our strengths more than our weaknesses?
“So, can we write about what makes Nigeria good? Can we project the opportunities in Nigeria? Can we tell the good stories of what this current administration is doing? Is that against the principles of journalism to project what we have gotten right? Is journalism only about talking about where the government is not doing well?
“The consciousness of the people should not only be raised with regard to what is wrong. Can we also raise their consciousness to begin to see what we did wrong and what we have made right? That is a challenge to you, the new executive, and the members of the Press Corps. It’s about time we sell our nation for where we have gotten it right and where we are struggling,” Kalu said.
He stressed that balanced journalism should acknowledge efforts being made to address the country’s challenges rather than focusing solely on shortcomings.
“We also make it obvious that we are taking steps towards correcting them. For me, that is true balanced journalism. And I know you have the capacity to do this. As I congratulate you people, I will not be far from you, have never been far from you, and will never be far from you because I have the will. I believe in the work you do for us, especially for me,” he added.
Kalu also underscored the importance of parliamentary reporting, describing the legislature as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and urging journalists to give greater prominence to the work of lawmakers.
“I’ve always said that the parliament is the fulcrum of democracy. But it is your duty to let the populace know that truly we are the fulcrum of democracy. How? By highlighting how we go about fulfilling the mandates for which this arm of government was created, especially as expressed in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Be it oversight function, representative function, be it town hall meetings, be it public hearing, be it core law making, be it reflecting the different angles of our debates, reflecting the diversity, the rich diversity that we have as a people.
“We may not be able to tell our stories by ourselves, but you have remained our voices, our mouths. Your pens are not just ordinary pens. Your pen has a core function that it is performing, and we value that. What is that function? That you pen words together, phrases together, sentences together, and punctuations together for the purpose of uniting the nation.
“Let me repeat that. What you write unites, which means that the power of what you hold in your hands can also divide. So, can we choose the first one and continue on that trajectory, writing for the unification, consolidation of Nigeria, writing for national cohesion of Nigeria, writing for national loyalty of Nigeria, writing to inspire patriotism, love for one’s own country, projecting the national objectives of this current administration, which I have always said that though we are three arms of government, we are one government,” he said.
Describing parliamentary correspondents as among the country’s finest journalists, Kalu commended the Press Corps for its professionalism and sacrifices in ensuring Nigerians remain informed about legislative activities.
“For me, it is an elite corps all over the world. Those who report in the parliament are not just any kind of journalists. They are chosen because they are the best. This is the highest House in Nigeria, the People’s House, because it’s the House that is owned by all.
“To Nigerians, it is solid. To Nigerians, it is valuable. Sustain it. Don’t change. Over the years, I have partnered with you closely, and you have projected the ethics of this profession. You have made sacrifices. Thank you for making this sacrifice. If you didn’t, most Nigerians who are across Nigeria, 923,000 square kilometres, and those in the diaspora would not have access to credible information being gathered in this room. Thank you for saying what you have seen. Thank you for not saying what you didn’t see,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker also credited journalists with strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The confidence that people have raised in our democracy is because of what you have written. People have opted for our democracy because of what you have projected about the work we are doing here. If you run us down, they will not believe in what we are here to do. Because you are projecting what we are doing, a lot of them are beginning to believe in our democracy. So, you see, you have a very serious role to play. I want you to continue. We will always stand by you. We have always stood by freedom of the press. The parliament will not look outside the parameters of what we have said should be,” he said.
Earlier, the House Spokesman and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering an open and transparent legislature that has given journalists unrestricted access to parliamentary proceedings.
“I also wish to especially acknowledge the unwavering support and leadership of Right Honourable Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen. Since the inauguration of the 10th House, the Speaker has consistently promoted a culture of openness, accessibility, and constructive engagement with the media. His leadership has created an enabling environment in which the parliamentary press can carry out its constitutional responsibility with professionalism and independence.
“The parliamentary press occupies a unique place in our democratic system. We are not merely chroniclers of events. We are partners in bringing the work of parliament to the Nigerian people. Through your reporting, citizens are able to follow our debates, appreciate our oversight functions and understand the impact of legislation on their daily lives.
“Now, as you begin this new term, I encourage you to continue to uphold the highest standards of journalism, accuracy, fairness, professionalism, and responsibility. A strong legislature and a vibrant, credible press are mutually reinforcing pillars of any healthy democracy,” Rotimi said.
In his acceptance speech after being returned for a second term, Chairman House Press Corps, Comrade Gboyega Onadiran, pledged that the executive will continue to uphold professional ethics while maintaining constructive engagement with the House leadership.
“In the last two years, the Corps under this leadership has worked harmoniously with the House leadership. We have built bridges, opened channels of communication, and ensured that the work of the 10th Assembly is reported accurately and responsibly. And we did this without sacrificing the integrity and ethics of the journalism profession. That balance will remain our guiding principle,” he said.
Commending the House leadership for recognising the role of the parliamentary press, Onadiran added:
“The conduct of this inauguration by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Ph.D, CFR, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, GCON, is not just a formality. It is a strong signal of the value the House leadership places on the role of the Press Corps in our democracy. We thank you, sir, for honouring us with your presence and for making time to inaugurate the new executive.”
Addressing members of the Corps, he said:
“You chose continuity. You re-elected this entire executive for a second term. That vote of confidence is not lost on us. It tells us that in the last two years, we have not disappointed you.
“As we begin this new chapter, I want to assure every member of the Corps that our commitment is to a better Corps. We will deepen collaboration with the House leadership to foster development within the institution and to sustain the nation’s democracy. A strong legislature needs a strong, professional press. And a strong press needs a legislature that understands its role.”
Onadiran also praised the support received from the House leadership, particularly House spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr.
“To this end, let me sincerely commend the leadership of the House for its continued support. Your Excellency, the Deputy Speaker, your continued support is highly acknowledged. Your doors have remained open to us, and your belief in the power of information has made our work possible.
“I must specially commend the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, for his guidance and support. Mr. Speaker, I want to inform you that Hon. Rotimi has instituted a health insurance scheme for all members of the House Press Corps. This is unprecedented in the history of the Corps. To the Speaker’s Media Team and the Deputy Speaker’s Media Team, thank you for your cooperation. The synergy between us has strengthened the narrative of the House”, he stated.
The newly inaugurated executive comprises Gboyega Onadiran as Chairman, Christiana Ekpa as Vice Chairman, Nicholas Kalu as Secretary, Saheed Badmus as Financial Secretary, Adah Onah as Treasurer, Gift Chapi-Odekina as Assistant Secretary, Nsikak Evans Udoukpong as Welfare Officer and Tope Balogun as Chief Whip.
