The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has called on media practitioners to play a more assertive role in holding the government accountable to prevent ongoing recklessness in Nigeria. This call was made during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Monday, August 26, 2024, in Abuja.
Alhaji Gabam stressed the importance of accurate and comprehensive reporting to ensure that both the government and its agencies remain answerable to the people.
Alhaji Gabam warmly welcomed the ACOE delegation, led by its Chairman, Mr. Martins Odiete, and highlighted the critical role of the media in a democracy.
He said”On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party and the entire membership of our party, we are honored by your visit. The role of the fourth estate of the realm is paramount in our democracy, and I believe that if the media can do more in terms of public enlightenment and fact-based reporting, it will compel everyone in positions of power to act responsibly.”
He pointed out that one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges is the under-reporting of critical issues, which has led to a lack of accountability. “When the realities of the country are not adequately reported, it creates an environment where government and security agencies operate under the assumption that the public is unaware of the tragedies unfolding. This assumption is dangerous and must be addressed through vigilant and fearless journalism”.He said.
Alhaji Gabam urged media professionals to be patriotic in their duties by reporting situations as they are. “We must check the excesses of the system by ensuring that the truth is not hidden. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity of our nation. No one has more at stake in Nigeria than the other; we all share equal ownership in the future of our country. The current issues we face—bigotry, extremism, and corruption—are man-made, and therefore, they can be corrected through transparency and accountability”the Chairman added.
In discussing the broader state of democracy in Nigeria, Alhaji Gabam emphasized the SDP’s commitment to making significant inroads across the country.
“The Social Democratic Party is actively working to strengthen democracy in Nigeria by promoting transparency, accountability, and a fair political environment. We recognize that democracy thrives when there is a level playing field, where every citizen’s voice is heard, and those in power are held to the highest standards of governance. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic process is inclusive and representative of all Nigerians, regardless of their background.”
Alhaji Gabam also addressed the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasizing the need for creativity and adaptability. “Political parties must evolve with the times. As leaders, we must be creative because the dynamics are always shifting. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may claim independence, but the reality is different. INEC’s officials, including national and resident electoral commissioners, are appointed by the executive. Even the entire gamut of INEC’s expenditure, election logistics, and security deployment is funded by the executive. The only aspect of independence they exercise is in the printing of ballot papers, deploying boxes, counting votes, and announcing results. Yet, even after a winner is declared, the judiciary can overturn it.”
The SDP, according to Alhaji Gabam, has strategically positioned itself to address these challenges. He said”What we are doing as a party is to key into these shortcomings by reorganizing our image, bringing forward the best propositions, and engaging the best candidates, especially considering the inefficiencies in the APC and PDP. Our innovative approach has attracted serious-minded individuals to the SDP, and we provided a conducive environment for them during the elections, protecting them where necessary. This has allowed us to achieve electoral victories and make significant strides as a party.”
Alhaji Gabam proudly noted the SDP’s growth and organizational strength. “I can confidently say that the SDP is a reference point today in terms of growth. There is no other party in Nigeria that is as organized, well-structured, and well-equipped to face any election at any moment like the SDP. You can visit the PDP or APC secretariats to understand what I mean. We are the first party in Nigeria’s history to have a digital studio, with equipment to transmit, edit, and cover events using drones. Our candidates are serious-minded individuals, and while we may not have the logistical might to challenge the APC and PDP’s dominance outright, we are meeting the challenge head-on, understanding that there are areas where money cannot exert influence.”
He further emphasized the importance of voter education and the need to challenge the pervasive influence of money in politics. “We have seen how money has damaged our electoral process and the mindset of citizens, leading them to believe that their votes do not count. We have taken it upon ourselves to enlighten people about their rights, encouraging them to exercise their franchise and ensure that it counts. Changing the dynamics requires practical sacrifices of time and effort. It is not enough to count your votes and leave; the law allows you to stay within the perimeter to ensure your vote is protected. We must ensure that democracy, which we have chosen as our system of government, remains transparent and undiluted.”
In his response, Mr. Martins Odiete expressed gratitude to the SDP Chairman for the warm reception and outlined the purpose of the visit. He introduced the ACOE as a growing organization with around sixty credible members, committed to projecting the activities of vibrant organizations like the SDP to the world. Odiete said”Our association, though young, is composed of reputable media entities. We believe that with us, the Social Democratic Party can achieve even greater visibility and impact as a political party.”
Mr. Odiete also highlighted the upcoming investiture program to mark ACOE’s second anniversary, scheduled for February 2025. He requested the partnership and sponsorship of the SDP for the event, which will span three days.
“We are reaching out to vibrant and forward-thinking organizations like yours to support this milestone event. In return, your party will gain significant exposure and benefits from our extensive network across the country”He stated.
Alhaji Gabam assured the ACOE delegation of the SDP’s readiness to partner with them for the investiture. “Once your formal request is submitted, I can assure you that the Social Democratic Party will be on board to support this important event.”
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering a relationship that would contribute positively to Nigeria’s democratic process and the role of the media in ensuring accountability and transparency in governance.
