Rivers State Lawmaker, Martin Amaewhule has described the statement made by Reuben Abati against the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as shocking and disappointing.
Amaewhule in a statement Today, said Abati demonstrated crass partisanship.
According to him, Abati’s outburst diminish the neutrality of the journalism profession.
His statement reads,
JOURNALISM: THE REUBEN ABATI STYLE
It is the duty of journalists to be sure that they do not permit their prejudices to show as they perform their duties. That is simply basic journalism.
Mr. Reuben Abati spoke on Arise TV and his ranting against Gov. Wike is to say the least, shocking and disappointing.
Mr Abati, in my humble view, demonstrated crass partisanship and his prejudice was obvious in that interview. Yes, outbursts like the one displayed by him only heightens our worries about attempts by some to diminish the neutrality of the fourth estate of the realm in the political affairs of Nigeria.
We should all be concerned that the landscape of journalism is changing and that partisanship is very much a part of it now. A celebrated American broadcast journalist Walter Leland Cronkite Jr. who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years and was during the 1960s and 1970s, often cited as “the most trusted man in America” after being so named in an opinion poll, once remarked that “If they’re preordained dogmatists for a cause, they can’t be very good journalists”. Was he referring to people like Reuben Abati?
The wishful thinking of some journalists like Reuben Abati, seen through filters of prejudice and ignorance is no doubt a huge challenge to the journalism profession.
His unguarded attacks on Gov. Wike has failed woefully because his false narrative will not change the facts that are available at the public domain. On the other hand, Gov. Ezenwo Wike remains resolute on his avowed promises to Rivers State.
His unwavering love and struggle for a better Nigeria should be commended by Mr. Abati as it is being commended by many Nigerians.
