Kashim Shettima has called on media professionals in Nigeria to focus on objectively speaking truth to power rather than antagonizing the government.
Speaking at the public presentation of the book Persona Non Grata, authored by seasoned journalist Mr. Ismail Omipidan, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, Shettima emphasized the distinction between antagonism and speaking truth to power.
“What must be spelt out is that there is a distinction between antagonizing a government and speaking truth to power. The latter is driven by a noble principle to serve a greater good and a deserving humanity,” Shettima stated.
He further noted, “The former, on the other hand, is usually a self-serving exercise that fades into futility, and that is not the end we should aspire to achieve with the information and ideas we labour to acquire and process in our line of work.”
Drawing inspiration from Plato’s The Republic, Shettima argued that building an ideal nation requires the intellectual class, particularly journalists, to act as the nation’s conscience.
He urged media professionals to balance their allegiance to self and to truth, saying, “No political leader, however sincere their intentions, can excel beyond the scale of the knowledge at their disposal, and this is particularly telling in our political space.”
Shettima continued, “While we need an army of courageous media professionals to speak the truth to power, we also need them to serve as the conscience of the political institutions and individuals who influence the evolution of society, including the questions of our collective survival.”
Highlighting the need for integrity, Shettima remarked, “True courage is being able to tell the truth even in a congress of critics and bullies. The rush to partake in a smear campaign, even in the face of superior facts, is, of course, not an act of courage. This distinction sets courage apart from cowardice. It takes rare integrity to recognize the difference between the two ‘Cs.’”
He urged leaders, media practitioners, and citizens to “aspire to learn where and when to draw the line between courage and cowardice.”
Praising the author, Mr. Omipidan, Shettima described him as a journalist whose allegiance lies with society rather than personal interest.
In his welcome remarks, the Chief Host of the event, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, thanked Vice President Shettima for attending. He praised the book as a reflection of Omipidan’s character, resilience, and integrity in journalism.
The book, reviewed by Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune, comprises 31 chapters with a foreword by Farouk Gberugi. It chronicles Omipidan’s life and career experiences.
In his vote of thanks, the author, Ismail Omipidan, expressed gratitude to Shettima for honoring his invitation. Recalling their discussion ten years ago about writing a book, Omipidan noted Shettima’s advice, saying, “You have not seen anything yet; what are you writing about?”
Omipidan also shared his decision to work with Oyetola during his tenure as Osun State Governor, citing the former governor’s honesty and integrity.
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