The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has nominated the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the NUJ prize for Outstanding Achievement in Leadership and Infrastructural Development.
National President of the NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo announced the nomination during a courtesy visit to the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday.
Comrade Isiguzo said that the NUJ is impressed with the quality projects executed by Governor Wike across the state, despite the economic downturn in the country.
He said: “We arrived at the conclusion that you deserve this award after a painstaking selection process.
“We are impressed with the quality of work that you are doing because they are unique and significant.
He said that Governor Wike has also made appreciable inroads in the improvement of security across Rivers State, leading to enhanced investment.
“I must tell you without flatering you that you are outstanding.
“You have tackled the security challenges in the state in a way that we have seen sustained improvement. These efforts should be commended”, he said.
The NUJ President also commended Governor Wike for investing in the empowerment of the people of Rivers State.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike said the NUJ award is special, noting that Rivers people appreciate the honour.
He said the award will be better appreciated if journalists play their roles as watchdogs of the station in these trying times
He said the media contributed in enthroning the failed APC Federal Government, hence they must work with other stakeholders to sack the dictatorial administration.
“This country is practicing democracy, but there appears a grand design to drag us into dictatorship.
“The media contributed in bringing up this failed administration. Now is the time to speak up against the ills of this administration.
“lf you gag the National Assembly and the Judiciary, then this country is gone”, he said.
The Governor said that a leader may be duly elected, but ends up being a dictator after muzzling other arms of the government.
“This is like what happens in Rivers State when the courts were closed down and the state Assembly compelled to sit at the Government House. The state budget was passed at a supersonic speed of one minute”, he said.
On the prosecution of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onoghen, Governor Wike said it is a well-crafted dictatorial exercise aimed at weakening the judiciary.
