THISDAYonline

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana yesterday reacted to the publicised rejection and criticism of the national media tour from AD-controlled states, saying it was a sour taste that contravenes the etiquette of democratic principles.

Speaking at Government House, Ilorin when the national media tour team paid a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Lawal, Gana wondered why AD governors retraced their steps after they had given their consent at Owerri, Imo State, when he met all commissioners for information in April/May this year.

According to him, "the objectives of the tour is not to disgrace any of the governors. It is aimed at enhancing the sustainability of democracy and protect the integrity of those elected under it. This will evolve because we believe it is a credible way of promoting transparency and accountability amongst politicians. We also know that true democrats have nothing to hide."

Gana further said, "except where there is nothing a governor can showcase to the Nigerian media, I see no reason why such unbiased assessors as found in journalists should be turned down in a democratic set up."

In the same vein, Lawal, apparently expressing a similar opinion said "what the governors would have spent millions publishing in the newspapers would be assessed by an independent team of journalists, free of charge and unsolicited for, it is a welcome development."

The team of over 50 journalists later began an inspection visit to the presidential lodge under construction, and the Emir's palace where the minister was received by the Emir, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, who commended the level of democratic dividends that Nigeria has witnessed in the past two years.