Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called on media and government to prioritize truth-telling as a cornerstone of Nigeria's democracy, urging journalists to pursue investigative rigor amid rising misinformation threats. The statement came during his keynote address at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu, where he emphasized the need for both institutions to transcend political narratives and focus on factual accountability.
The conference, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), brought together over 300 editors under the theme "The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive." A sub-theme focused on combating AI-generated misinformation, reflecting growing concerns about technology's role in distorting public discourse. Mbah's speech underscored the shared responsibility of government and media to serve Nigerians through transparency and independent scrutiny.
"Government must be transparent about what it is doing and be accountable for the results," Mbah stated. "The press must establish the facts and report the truth, whether the findings expose shortcomings or reveal progress." He reiterated that both institutions, while distinct in roles, share a common obligation to prioritize public interest over partisan agendas.
The governor highlighted the urgency of rigorous journalism in an era where artificial intelligence enables the fabrication of photographs, voice cloning, and video manipulation. "The development has increased the responsibility of professional journalists," he said, challenging editors to "go deeper, beyond the surface" in their reporting. Mbah warned against journalism that seeks evidence to support preconceived positions, stressing that its value lies in independence and factual verification.
Mbah criticized the tendency to ignore government achievements that do not align with political narratives. "We have tried to build an Enugu government that is open about what it is doing and clear about what it is trying to achieve," he said. "Where we fall short, that should call for scrutiny and be reported. But the same principle applies when the evidence reveals progress."
The governor outlined his administration's infrastructure and social development initiatives, including the construction of over 1,500 kilometers of roads, 7,000 classrooms, Smart Green Schools, and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across Enugu's 260 wards. Additional projects included water infrastructure, new transport terminals, CNG buses, Enugu Air, the revival of dormant industries, and the development of a new city. Mbah emphasized these efforts aimed to position Enugu as an economic gateway to the South-East and a leader in human development and quality of life.
"Our ambition is to make Enugu one of Nigeria’s leading economies," Mbah said, citing support from President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government in areas such as roads, aviation, energy, and regional development. He urged conference attendees to independently assess the state's progress by engaging with local communities and observing developments firsthand.
The event featured a symbolic gesture of recognition, as the Nigerian Guild of Editors presented Mbah with a plaque for good governance. The award highlighted his administration's commitment to transparency, though it occurred amid ongoing controversies, including the Akwa Ibom State government's silence on compensation disputes linked to the N117.5 billion Medical City project and other regional challenges outlined in Premium Times reports.
Mbah's address coincided with broader national concerns about media-government relations. Recent investigations by Premium Times have exposed issues such as oil companies flaring gas without sanctions, child trafficking in Benue, and the impact of social media on violence in Plateau State. These reports underscore the critical role of journalism in holding power to account, a responsibility Mbah acknowledged in his speech.
The governor's emphasis on truth-telling aligns with calls from civil society groups for greater accountability in public institutions. However, critics argue that Enugu's development projects must be evaluated against broader national challenges, including the healthcare crisis in Benue IDP camps and the erosion of trust in elections among young Nigerians. Premium Times' special reports have documented these systemic issues, which remain unresolved despite repeated calls for action.
Mbah's vision for Enugu includes positioning the state as a model for economic transformation. The administration's focus on infrastructure and human development reflects a strategy to attract investment and improve living standards. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on sustained transparency and the ability to address lingering public concerns about governance and resource allocation.
The ANEC conference also addressed the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation, a topic highlighted in Premium Times' investigations. Mbah's warning about the dangers of fabricated content resonated with editors grappling with the challenges of verifying information in an increasingly complex media landscape. The governor's call for deeper investigative reporting underscores the need for journalistic integrity in combating digital disinformation.
While Mbah's speech emphasized collaboration between media and government, it also revealed tensions in Nigeria's democratic ecosystem. The governor's administration has faced scrutiny over its handling of local issues, even as it promotes a narrative of progress. Premium Times' coverage of these contradictions highlights the importance of independent journalism in providing balanced perspectives.
The conference's focus on democracy and truth-telling comes at a pivotal moment for Nigeria. With elections approaching and public trust in institutions under strain, the role of the media in fostering accountability has never been more critical. Mbah's address, while optimistic, must be measured against the realities of governance challenges across the country.
Enugu's development plans, if realized, could serve as a blueprint for other states. However, the governor's emphasis on transparency must be matched by concrete actions to address systemic issues, including the compensation disputes in Akwa Ibom and the humanitarian crises in Benue. The media's role in scrutinizing these matters remains vital for ensuring that progress is both genuine and inclusive.
The 22nd ANEC concluded with renewed commitments to journalistic excellence and democratic principles. Mbah's speech, while focused on Enugu, echoed broader aspirations for Nigeria's future. As the nation navigates complex challenges, the partnership between media and government will be crucial in shaping a more transparent and accountable society.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors' conference highlighted the evolving responsibilities of journalism in the digital age. Mbah's call for truth-telling, coupled with the media's role in exposing corruption and misinformation, underscores the importance of a free and independent press. As Premium Times continues to report on these issues, the need for rigorous, fact-based journalism remains paramount in safeguarding Nigeria's democratic institutions.