CRITICISE ME GENTLY-DELTA COMMISSIONER BEGS PRESS.
The commissioner for transport in Delta State, Hon. Ben Ibakpa has called on media practitioners in the state to be more gentle in criticising his ministry policy as well as government in general.
Ibakpa made this appeal when he played host to the members of Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) NTA Sapele Chapter. The media practitioners who paid him a visit charge him to sensitize the public adequately before carrying out any policy which we have effect on the populace. They advised him to partner with the Union in organising the face of Delta Line, in which the winner of the competition will do the work of carrying out awareness to the public as well as being the ambassador of the transport ministry. The union Chairman, Comrade Samson Oghenedoro noted that the banning of bike in the state has brought down the level of crime in the state, but in a jocular speech stated that he felt the pains at the beginning, though its all over now.
Speaking further, Comrade Oghenedoro pleaded with the commissioner to talk to the state government to come to the aid of NTA Sapele which has remained comatose for years, to enable them broadcast effectively.
Responding, the commissioner expressed gratitude to the union for extending this hand of fellowship to his ministry. He promised to talk to the management of Delta Line and map out plans to see to the organisation of the face of Delta Line competition in partnership with the union. He stated that he will take the message of NTA challenges to the state governor and expressed optimism that the state government, being media friendly will come to the aid of the station, nothing that even as AIT sets to debut in Oghara, five kilometres away from NTA, it is good that they both work well to help publicise the government activities.
Making a passionate appeal, he urged the union to be more realistic in their programmes production, always seeking to balance up production before going on air. He charged them to also take the message of constructive criticism to other members of the press.
"I like to be criticised, but in a right manner. I don't want to go to bed feeling bad because of what has being said of me or my ministry's policy which are not true", he stated.
Remarking, Comrade Oghenedoro stated that haven being a print Journalist for years before delving into the broadcast media, he will take the message to the print media practitioners, while the union on her part will engage in robust and professional broadcasting.
FEJIRO OLIVER, a journalist writes from Delta State.