Chidi Tony/ As the discourse for the future of the Nigeria and her nascent democracy rages in different forum, Senator Effiong Bob has advised Nigerians to close ranks and work harder to strengthen our national institutions for the survival of country’s democracy.
Senator Bob who represented Akwa ibom north east in the senate between 2003-2011 made the remarks yesterday when he chaired the 2021 NUJ Evening with the Legends event, an activity earmarked to honour those who contributed immensely to the development of journalism practice in Nigeria from Akwa ibom state.
Bob a former Chancellor and Chairman governing council, University of Benin at the occasion with the Theme: Politics, National Unity and the quest for credible election: The Role of Journalism assured Nigerians that the Nation will come out of 2023 politics and general elections more united stressing that
Nigeria have a way of navigating through odds unscathed when people think it’s over for the country.
According to Senator Bob, “Nigerians should start working for stronger institutions rather than having strong personalities and politicians dictating the pace and direction of our country’s democratic future. America would have imploded during the last election if not for its very strong institutions that ignored the personal impressions her then president; we all saw what happened at capitol hill, Nigeria must strengthen her national institutions to safeguard democracy. We must also understand that notwithstanding the prevailing atmosphere in the country presently, 2023 general election will hold as the country has a way of navigating through difficulties to achieve its objectives”.
He hailed the four veteran journalists selected for this year’s edition of Night with the Legends namely Mr Anietie Usen, Mr James Akpandem, Mrs Mary Asuquo and Mr Moffat Ekoriko for their immense contributions to the upliftment of journalism practice in Nigeria.
Senator Bob who advised Journalists to ensure objectivity and balance reportage while doing their constitutionally imposed duties urged them to see the development and unity of the State and the Nation as paramount in all their undertakings.
Also speaking at the event, one of the honoree, Mr Anietie Usen explained that only true federalism will save Nigeria from impending doom.
Mr Usen an award winning journalist with Newswatch magazine in his hey days in journalism practice maintained that Nigeria must return to its regional structures before the 1966 coup by the military stressing that the present structure holding the country is too porous to guarantee its survival.
The event which had contributions from all the honorees on how to ensure the survival of Nigeria’s democracy and the future of the country had Obong Ide owodiong idemekon delivered a keynote address to spice the occasion.
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