FG will allow opposition in government media – Minister

The federal government on Thursday promised to provide equal platform for both the opposition and ruling parties to air their views in government owned media. The assurance was given in Abuja by the Minister of lnformation and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed during a meeting with heads of parastatals under the ministry.

Alhaji Mohammed explained that the decision is in line with the change mantra of the present administration. He noted that before now, opposition was treated like outcasts.

“Opposition members are Nigerians, just like members of the ruling party.”

“Even the ruling party will benefit when the opposition is allowed to air their views freely, because you learn more from people who disagree with you. Therefore, let the ruling party and the opposition air their ideas and let the people, who wield the ultimate power, decide at the end of the day.”

The minister charged government owned broadcast media organisations to utilise their experience and highly trained and well qualified personnel, better infrastructure and wide reach to drive the change agaenda of the Buhari administration.

“We intend to provide leadership for the Federal Government-owned media organizations in a manner that will make them to become the first source of information, so that they can more effectively function as a vehicle for the change mantra of the Buhari Administration, and also regain their lost glory.”

“The combined reach of the NTA, FRCN and NAN, If effectively utilized, will facilitate the success of the change campaign.”

The minister said that soon, a massive national orientation would be launched towards a paradigm shift in the way and manner of doing things in the country.