Public Office Holders Must Be Accountable, Says Makinde

Public Office Holders Must Be Accountable, Says Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde urged media professionals to uphold transparency in their roles as society’s watchdogs, emphasizing the importance of holding political office holders accountable for the public good. He made this statement during the opening ceremony of a three-day retreat for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Press Corps, themed “Role of the Media in Fostering Development in a Multi-party Democracy,” held at the Eleventh House Hotel and Suites in Jericho, Ibadan.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde asserted that the media serves as a vital pillar of society responsible for ensuring accountability among government officials. He highlighted that transparency from public officeholders is essential for societal development, which aligns with the media’s ultimate objective.

Makinde explained that prioritizing the public interest promotes growth and urged the media to maintain independence from political influence while also preventing abuses by journalists themselves. He stated, “The media plays a critical role in development by holding those in public office accountable and acting as a societal watchdog.”

He added, “If accountability is not enforced, public officials may neglect their duties and fail to serve the public interest. When the media effectively holds political leaders accountable, they are more likely to prioritize the needs of the people.

“Additionally, the media must also hold its members accountable, as it occupies a public space and operates in trust for the people. Without this accountability, development cannot be achieved.”

Earlier, the chairman of the PDP Press Corps, Mr. Samuel Ogidan, remarked that the retreat aimed to engage participants in meaningful discussions and training to better navigate the challenges of political reporting in today’s digital age.