The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the challenges confronting the nation.
Bishop Ajakaye said current events in the country call for concerns, most especially the issues of kidnapping, killings and banditry which should be addressed by the President himself and not his aides.
Bishop Ajakaye made the remarks at St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, during the 55th World Communication Day on Sunday.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Come and See” (Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are) and its message written by His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Ekiti Catholic Bishop called on Buhari to lead Nigeria in the right direction, asking what legacy he would leave behind after his tenure.
He noted that the current state of the nation was not the way God wanted it, saying urging citizens to hold all their political leaders responsible for their words and actions.
He therefore advised politicians to shun the politics of jumping from one political party to win a seat in another.
Bishop Ajakaye further urged media personnel to go beyond the attitude of complacency while practising media of integrity and shunning Armchair Journalism in which reports are based on mere speculations.
“Fake news is destructive and divisive. It is sensational and it does not promote scholarship and authentic communication.
“The hallmark of journalism profession is investigative journalism which is positive oriented and based on research. It demands patience, sacrifice, commitment, willpower and focuses on justice, peace, unity, harmony, growth and development.
“Investigative journalism should be promoted in any sane society, a society that upholds justice for peace and development,” he stated.
In her remarks, Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the catholic church for the celebration and urged journalists not to misuse words when communicating with the people as the job is becoming more hazardous in the society.
In attendance were media personnel and media representatives of organisations, including Rev. Fr. Anthony Ijasan, the Communications Director, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.