Wase tasks journalists on investigative journalism
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Idris Wase, has advised journalists covering the National Assembly to carry out investigative journalism and ensure their stories are balanced before publication.
Wase gave the advice while receiving members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in his office on Thursday in Abuja. The deputy speaker said that the House “welcomes objective criticism,” adding that House members have nothing to hide.
The deputy speaker said that the House was willing to partner with the media, adding that the doors of the principal officers of the House would always remain open to answer and entertain inquiries from members of the fourth estate.
He assured that he would look into the needs of the press corps and try to provide training and other logistics within available resources to aid the coverage of the House.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Press Corps, Mrs. Grace Ike had congratulated the deputy speaker on his emergence as a presiding officer of the House, adding that the courtesy call was to congratulate and familiarise with him.
The chairman thanked Wase for honouring the corps by appointing one of its members, Mohammed Puma, as his chief press secretary.
Ike said that Wase’s new position was in recognition of his excellent performance as a legislator over the years and his enviable contributions toward nation building.
“We are partners in progress and would join hands with you to advance the cause of this House and the legislature at large. As members of the fourth estate of the realm, we have an obligation to report objectively and at the same time protect national interest.
“We are very conscious of our social responsibility and we are ready to support your office to the next level. There is no doubt that if our democracy must endure, there is need for a free press with improved welfare packages.
“We urge you to use your good office to revisit legislation that will address remunerations in the media industry,” she urged.
