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Obiano wants govs to condone social media critics

By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo
07 December 2015   |   2:57 am
GOVERNOR of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has charged his colleague governors to embrace criticism on social media and see it as means to promote good governance.
Obiano

Obiano

GOVERNOR of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has charged his colleague governors to embrace criticism on social media and see it as means to promote good governance.

Meanwhile, his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Uju Nwogu, yesterday appealed to residents, corporate bodies, traditional rulers and social groups to commit to a conscious beautification of the state, beginning with their surroundings.

Nwogu, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday also urged presidents-general of town unions, churches, schools, market organisations and hotels to decorate their premises and other strategic places in their communities to depict the mood of Christmas.

Obiano was a special guest of honour at the maiden edition of the Anambra State Social Media Award held in Lagos, an event that was sponsored by a politician and hotelier, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe.

The governor was represented by his Special Adviser on Social Media, Ikechukwu Onyia, who noted that the use of social media to disseminate information “has taken a front burner as a means of educating the populace.”

He also urged youths to use the social media to demand accountability from public officers and fight corruption in government.

According to him. Today, the social media has taken the front burner as a means of educating and receiving of feedback from the populace, hence serving as links between the government and the governed.
“With the advent of social media, it has given people a far cheaper platform and opportunities to express themselves freely; hence, the government hearing directly from the masses.
“It was through social media that we got to know the injustice meted out to Chief Bonaventure Mokwe when his hotel in Onitsha was hastily brought down by past Anambra State government.”

The governor further said that criticising his government on social media by the opposition “has truly helped this government to get it right.”

He, therefore, admonished other state governments ‘to be receptive to opposing views on policies and decisions,’ adding that the use of social media should be regulated.
“I must also thank the critics of my administration for providing the sharp edges that have helped us to keep our eyes on the ball, reminding us that governance is a social contract between the state and its citizen and that the power we exercise truly belongs to the people,” he stated.

In his remarks, sponsor of the award, Chief Mokwe, said the gathering was apolitical, promising that the award would be an annual event to ‘revolutionalise’ youths in Anambra.

Ikechukwu Emeka Onye won the ‘Best leading voice of opposition in Anambra State’ award while Nkiru Akabuike won the ‘Best female social media personality of the year. They were all given cash rewards.

In the spirit of the yuletide, the Anambra State Government, in the same vein, appealed to residents, corporate bodies, traditional rulers and social groups to commit to a conscious beautification of all parts of the states.
“The Christmas period is, no doubt, a very good season for spending time with loved ones.

Adding a Christmas tree, wreaths, garlands, ornaments, tableware, lights, stockings and other holiday accents can transform any space in a home, church, hotel, market or town into a festive wonderland,” said Nwogu.

According to her, government “has continued to make bold efforts to change the landscape of the major cities in the state through the construction of good road networks, bridges, flyovers and other infrastructure. Ndi Anambra can only complement and encourage our hardworking Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) by embellishing their homes and premises with Christmas decorations.
“Ndi Anambra, cultivate your own unique look this Christmas season. Decorate your homes and premises and celebrate this year’s Christmas in style,” she advised.

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