Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has expressed joy in associating with members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
He said: “I am extremely happy that GOCOP continues to grow stronger despite the odds. I have followed your activities since inception, and I am proud to be associated with a body of credible professionals.”
Bode George, who chaired the 9th Annual Conference of GOCOP in Lagos yesterday, October 9, advised members to take the lead in clearing the obstacles facing journalism, particularly the menace of fake news and unprofessional conduct among impostors in the industry.
The Annual Conference was themed: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”
The PDP chieftain expressed displeasure over the growing number of untrained individuals masquerading as journalists, even as he commended GOCOP for its consistent efforts in promoting professionalism and integrity in digital journalism.
Chief George advised journalists to continue to uphold truth, ethics and patriotism, reminding them that credible journalism remains a pillar of democracy and national development.
The elder statesman urged the Nigerian government to improve the lives of young citizens who, he lamented, have become victims of poor governance.
He said that Nigeria’s diverse resources and human potential ought to be harnessed responsibly for national progress.
“There is no part of Nigeria that is not endowed. True democracy means utilizing resources for the benefit of the people. Leaders must remember that power is transient and that posterity will judge their actions.”
Chief George warned against any calls for military intervention, insisting that such moves would derail the nation’s democratic progress.
He stressed that the civilian system, despite its imperfections, provides checks and balances through its three arms of government, unlike the military, which centralizes authority.
He also called for a comprehensive review of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
