Exponent News Akure
JUNE 12: Journalists, the Last Hope of the Common Man – PDP
By Exponent News, Akure – June 11, 2025
In a warm and engaging interaction, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that journalists remain the last hope of the common man—contrary to the popular belief that such a role lies with the judiciary. The Publicity Secretary of the party in Ondo State, Hon. Leye Igbagbo, stated that media professionals are the only institution that has not been compromised, owing to their constitutional mandate to hold the government accountable at all times.
According to Hon. Igbagbo, all other arms of government have failed the people, and as a result, the public has lost confidence in their leadership. He therefore urged journalists to remain steadfast and committed to the ethics of their profession.
Vote of Confidence
Hon. Igbagbo and his team expressed their vote of confidence in the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, led by Comrade Prince Leke Adegbite. He explained that the purpose of the courtesy visit was to familiarize the party with media stakeholders in the state, update them on PDP’s activities, and seek the support of media practitioners in deepening democracy—especially in Ondo State.
He applauded the resilience of veteran journalists who stood their ground in the face of persecution by past administrations while exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable. “Journalism is a continuous practice,” he said, urging media professionals to intensify their efforts in exposing ongoing corruption and restoring public hope in democracy.
In his words:
“As the fourth estate of the realm, you are now the last hope of the common man. The other three arms of government have failed. Continue to perform your constitutional roles as provided in the Constitution to help deepen our democracy.”
The PDP Publicity Secretary emphasized that the media are the party’s most important partners in holding the government accountable, especially as an opposition party. He stressed the importance of informing the press about the party’s activities and reporting the negative impact of government policies on the masses.
INSECURITY
He also condemned the rising insecurity plaguing the state, calling on the government to be proactive and responsive to its primary duty of protecting lives and property. According to him, the ruling party has failed in its constitutional mandate, allowing criminal elements to compromise the security of the state.
Furthermore, Hon. Igbagbo urged the NUJ leadership to regulate and curb the activities of quacks in the profession, especially within Ondo State, in order to prevent the spread of fake news that could cause unrest. He added:
“Play your role as granted by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, regardless of whose ox is gored.”
Criticism of the Ruling Party
In another development, the PDP spokesman expressed deep dissatisfaction with the performance of the ruling party. He lamented the high rate of inflation, which has made basic commodities unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
“I am disappointed in the administration of the ruling party. Inflation is at an all-time high. Prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed, and people can no longer afford to feed their families,” he stated.
NUJ Chairman’s Response
In his response, the Chairman of the NUJ Ondo State Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, did not mince words. He stated that neither the ruling party nor the opposition possesses a clear political ideology. He advocated for the enactment of a law criminalizing defection or cross-carpeting by politicians, arguing that the absence of such a law has enabled political opportunism.
“Politicians switch parties at will because there is no law to checkmate such actions. They have impoverished the people, which is why you see voters selling their votes to the highest bidder during elections,” he remarked.
He concluded by affirming:
“The media remains the only sector that has not been totally compromised.”
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