Speak Truth, Build Bridges: VP Shettima Urges Media To Balance Critique With Collaboration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian media professionals to prioritize objective truth-telling over antagonizing the government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the public presentation of the book Persona Non Grata by veteran journalist Ismail Omipidan on Saturday at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Shettima emphasized the importance of balancing personal convictions with the responsibility to serve truth and humanity.

In a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima distinguished between constructive criticism and antagonism, asserting, “There is a clear difference between speaking truth to power and antagonizing the government. The former is guided by a noble principle to serve a greater good, while the latter often devolves into a self-serving endeavor that achieves little.”

Citing insights from Plato’s The Republic, the Vice President highlighted the critical role of the intellectual class, particularly journalists, in serving as the conscience of the nation. He underscored the need for media professionals to both hold power accountable and guide societal evolution.

Shettima further stated, “No leader, no matter their sincerity, can excel beyond the scope of knowledge available to them. Therefore, we need courageous media professionals not only to speak truth to power but also to act as the conscience of political institutions and society at large, shaping the questions of our collective survival.”