Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, says the Nigerian media industry should be held accountable for what’s happening in the country and to its citizens, both positively and negatively.

“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect,” said Uzodimma.

In a keynote address , he delivered today during the 21st edition of the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja.

Uzodimma, critique the  theme, ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,’ and a sub-theme: ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,’ said : I will not let you escape accountability for electoral integrity, trust deficit, and what Nigerians expect in 2027.

Here is why.  If you have a role to play in “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion,’ then you also have a role to play in ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit.’  

Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy. Electoral integrity begets democracy, and democracy begets good governance, and good governance fast-tracks the exorcism of trust deficit.

In all of these, your role as facilitator, amplifier, or catalyst is key.

“Your reports and comments paint a picture of tomorrow. Therefore, the picture you paint of 2027 is what Nigerians should expect.”

He emphasised that what editors actually do is akin to a pastoral duty.

“You decide what becomes urgent and what disappears.

You choose the lens through which millions of Nigerians see their country, their leaders, and each other.

“That is how the media is structured. A policy shift is either “Government U-Turn” or “Strategic Adaptation.”

A land border closure is either “Economic Protectionism Impoverishing the People” or “National Security Imperative.” Same facts, different frames. Entirely different public perception.,” he said.

He added: ” You are not spectators in 2027. You are active participants. You are catalysts and facilitators, whether r you acknowledge it or not.

The narratives you shape between now and the election will determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with hope or cynicism, with trust or suspicion, with a sense of shared stake or through a tribal lens.”