Date Published: 04/30/09

Editor Dear,

Has the Press become Cash and Carry?

Going by what transpired behind doors prior to the last PDP Convention in Abuja, the masses should be disturbed about their only hope – the Nigerian media. A governor had boasted to one of his friends that he knows how to whip the media to line.

Before the convention kick-off proper, the Governor from a south-south State had assembled some top executives of the Nigeria media and actually gave out N1.5million to each. He further gave N1million to each Political Editor that he invited. Though some of the recipients vowed such would not deter them from reporting balanced and true stories whenever they develop.

Why a governor could go that length is disturbing and for the recipients bowing to such is amazing, yet the media report corruption. Where will their support go after now – to the masses or the governor?

It is most likely that only the innocent media would publish this simple truthful letter. Time shall tell.

Dr. Julius Madaki, Seriki Close, Bauchi.