Delta NUJ Slams Gov. Oborevwori For ‘Running Away From Media Interaction’ After Two Years in Office

…Calls for institutionalized media relations and not selective engagement

The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed concerns over what it describes as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration’s ‘No Media Engagement Policy’ after two years in office.

The council, in a statement by its chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu, to mark the second anniversary of the governor, highlighted notable achievements of the APC administration but condemned the apparent disconnect between the government and the press.

Specifically, the statement noted milestones recorded by the administration within the past two years, including the successful implementation of the new minimum wage, regular payment of workers’ salaries, and ongoing efforts in pension administration.

The NUJ council also noted that the governor’s administration has also prioritized women and youth empowerment, infrastructure development—roads, drains, bridges, flyovers—and sustained peace-building initiatives. These efforts, the union noted, demonstrate the capacity and commitment of the government to governance and development.

The Council commended the Governor’s ability to meet and surpass expectations, asserting that his administration’s “MORE” Agenda has delivered tangible progress and challenged critics who doubted his capacity to govern effectively.

While recognizing some positive gestures, such as a 100% increase in stipends for certain journalists—an acknowledgement of the media’s role—the NUJ emphasized that these measures are insufficient for fostering a healthy democratic environment.

“Section 22 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution mandates the press to hold public officials accountable. In a democracy, effective governance relies heavily on transparent communication and consistent engagement with the media. However, the NUJ laments that under the current administration, media relations have been inconsistent, selective, and lacking institutional support”.

Historically, NUJ maintained that Delta State past administrations—particularly under Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan—established quarterly press briefings and media parley sessions that fostered open dialogue. While Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa maintained some of these practices, they lacked the sustained momentum necessary for institutionalizing regular engagement.

The NUJ pointed out that, despite a congratulatory advertorial to mark a year of the current administration, there has been no reciprocation or meaningful engagement from the government in the subsequent period. This lapse, the union warns, risks widening the gap between the government and journalists, potentially undermining public trust and accountability.

The union clarified that its stance is not born out of animosity but stems from a genuine desire to see the government succeed and uphold democratic ideals.

It urged the Governor to reconsider and recalibrate his media engagement strategy, emphasizing the importance of regular, inclusive, and transparent communication through live broadcasts, radio, television, and physical briefings involving journalists from all media platforms.

The council stressed that the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement and partnership with the government, aiming to foster a culture of openness, accountability, and mutual respect.

The statement is reproduced in full below:

“The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists l(NUJ), has carefully reviewed the trajectory of the state under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori over the past two years.

The milestones achieved within this period are well-documented and reflect commendable progress across several critical sectors.

‘MORE’ MILESTONES IN TWO YEARS

From the implementation of the new minimum wage, regular payment of workers’ salaries, to pensioners to women and youth empowerment initiatives; infrastructure projects – roads, drains, bridges, and flyovers – as well as sustained peace-building efforts; the administration has demonstrated capacity and commitment to governance.

For these, the Council commends the Governor for acceding to the expectations of many and proving opponents wrong, who might have underestimated his ability to deliver on his administration’s “MORE” Agenda.

MORE AGENDA AND HOW IT AFFECTS JOURNALISTS IN DELTA

We acknowledge and appreciate the 100% increase in stipends to some journalists across the state. Though modest, this gesture signals a recognition of the media’s vital role in promoting democracy and development.

However, this gesture has not assuaged expectations of Journalists in Delta State. The NUJ Delta Council calls for a greater responsiveness in the area of media engagement and public accountability.

Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) mandates the Press to hold public officers accountable to the people.

In a functional democracy, effective governance cannot thrive without deliberate and transparent communication with the media. Unfortunately, under the current administration, media engagement has been largely selective, inconsistent, and insufficiently structured.

While His Excellency has received awards and recognitions from some media organisations, such accolades, though notable, cannot replace institutionalised, statewide media dialogue and open access of the State Chief Executive to local journalists, covering the day to day activities of government.

Past administrations, especially under Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, demonstrated strong media relations by institutionalising quarterly press briefings and media parley sessions that created platforms for open, direct interaction between journalists, the governor and government officials. While Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa made modest efforts in this regard, his administration lacked the consistency and broader inclusion needed to sustain such engagement.

This time last year, we had felicitated the present administration in a national newspaper advertorial as an extension of Union’s goodwill. One year after, we cannot see any reciprocation in form of engagement with the media.

We are concerned that the current administration has allowed this tradition to lapse, thereby widening the gap between the government and the organised media. If left unaddressed, this could have adverse consequences for public trust and how the administration is ultimately assessed in the annals of history.

Let it be made clear: this intervention is not driven by animosity or self-interest, but by a genuine desire to see the government succeed in deepening democratic ideals. It is an objective and professional reflection of our constitutional responsibility as the Fourth Estate in Government.

The good news is that it is not too late. The Governor has both the time and the opportunity to recalibrate his media engagement strategy. We urge His Excellency to embrace a more transparent, inclusive, and constitutionally aligned approach, anchored on regular, state-wide press interactions via live broadcasts, radio, television, and physical briefings involving journalists across all media platforms.

As a Council, our mission is not to confront, but to constructively chart a course that advances both governance and journalism in Delta State. We are ready to partner with the government in building a vibrant culture of openness, accountability, and mutual respect between the state and the media.

E-Signed:

Comrade Churchill Oyowe
Chairman

Comrade Victor Sorokwu
Secretary”