NOA Boss Urges Journalists To Hold Politicians Accountable To Manifestos

NOA Boss Urges Journalists to Hold Politicians Accountable to Manifestos

At the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), held in Lagos, the Director General of Nigeria’s National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, delivered a compelling call to action directed at the country’s media professionals.

Speaking as a panelist at the event themed “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospect,” Issa-Onilu emphasized the critical role journalists must play in Nigeria’s democratic development by holding political office seekers accountable to their campaign manifestos.

Issa-Onilu expressed concern over the growing trend of political aspirants presenting manifestos that are either not originally theirs or are adopted wholesale from their political parties without genuine commitment. He noted that many of these documents are filled with lofty promises that are rarely fulfilled once candidates assume office.

According to him, this disconnect between campaign rhetoric and governance realities undermines public trust and democratic accountability.

He urged journalists to go beyond surface-level reporting and instead engage in rigorous scrutiny of political manifestos. This, he argued, would not only expose inconsistencies and unrealistic promises but also educate the electorate on what to expect from their leaders.

By doing so, the media would serve as a vital check on political excesses and help foster a culture of transparency and responsibility in governance.

Issa-Onilu also highlighted the importance of distinguishing between personal and party manifestos, noting that many candidates hide behind party platforms to avoid personal accountability. He challenged media practitioners to probe the authenticity of these documents and question candidates on their understanding and commitment to the promises they endorse.

The NOA boss’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with widespread disillusionment over unfulfilled political promises and a perceived lack of accountability among elected officials. His call aligns with broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote civic engagement through informed journalism.

In conclusion, Issa-Onilu’s message was clear: the media must not merely report political events but must actively interrogate the promises made by politicians.

By doing so, they can help bridge the gap between campaign promises and governance outcomes, ultimately contributing to a more accountable and responsive political system.