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The vice president,
Namadi Sambo, yesterday appealed to Nigerian journalists not to
compromise the security of the country while exercising the freedom of
the press, but to concentrate more on factors that would secure and
unite the nation.

He also stated that
the success of the 2011 elections is closely tied to media
practitioners in the country, calling on them to utilise their
profession to educate politicians as well as the electorate on free and
fair elections.

The vice president
made this appeal when he had an interactive session with State House
correspondents in Abuja. He said that the role of the media was very
crucial – especially during the nation’s march towards the 2011
elections.

He, however, thanked the media for the professional manner in which they had reported issues concerning the country so far.

“You must ensure
that you are always very fair, very frank, and that you will tell
Nigerians the truth about what is happening, and the efforts that our
president, Goodluck Jonathan, is making towards ensuring the rapid
development of Nigeria.

“You have the
onerous task of informing Nigerians about what we are doing. That, as
you know, is a very important responsibility. It is a fact that you
have a role to play in the security of this country and this is an
important area really, that needs to be watched at all the time.

“You need to know
also that there are matters of reporting that affects the security of
the nation. Of course, you are all aware that Nigeria operates at the
highest point of press freedom; but that should not mean that you will
go to the extent of exposing our country, especially the security
aspect. I want to assure you of our support at all times. I assure you
of our cooperation in helping you report what we are doing to the
world,” he said.

The vice president
reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections,
as well as the role of the media in educating Nigerians on the
seriousness of Mr. Jonathan’s one-man-one-vote campaign.

“For the
achievement of this objective, you have the biggest role to play
because Nigerians need to know the truth. They need to be educated, and
we cannot achieve this without the co-operation of all the parties.
Politicians and the general citizens need to be sensitised, and it is
only through you that people can be educated to understand the new
democratic spirit and the need for free and fair election, come 2011,”
Mr. Sambo further said.

Building the nation

The vice president
said the federal government was working to ensure growth and
development of the nation, adding that the issue of power is being
addressed, to ensure that Nigeria enjoys uninterrupted power supply.

“We are right now
prepared to match our talks with action. We must also through you
appeal to all Nigerians for support, as we work to ensure that this
country is developed to take its rightful place amongst the community
of nations.

“This is the first
time that Nigeria will have two well-educated people at the helm of
affairs of the nation. President Jonathan, a scientist, a doctorate
degree holder; and myself, an architect; we are designing and building
the economy. We are determined that we must provide jobs and pay
salaries that are above poverty level. This is what we assure
Nigerians,” he said.