By Akinwale Kasali
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, NGIJ, on Sunday stormed Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital for governance and impact assessment of Governor Seriake Dickson’s, almost, eight years administration in the state.
The NGIJ President, Wale Abydeen, in a statement issued in Yenagoa said the assessment was aimed at promoting accountability, transparency and good governance as well as strengthening Nigeria’s fledgling democratic rule by performing its watchdog role in the society.
Abydeen hinted that the Guild’s members while in the state would interact with critical stakeholders including traditional rulers, security agencies, top government functionaries, labour leaders, political parties, artisans and others.
He added that 10,000 questionnaires will be administered across all the eight local government areas of the State to assess the achievements and impact of Dickson administration on the people.
The NGIJ President explained that the assessment became necessary as the governor is concluding his two-term tenure and in view of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
He, however, disclosed that the Guild, in August 2019, unveiled its Governance Assessment Report on the administration of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
NGIJ is an association of journalists driven by the thirst for professionalism and agenda setting role of the media to make government more accountable to the governed.
Its objectives include stimulating the culture of investigation and deep research in journalism to help democratic process and political choice.
The NGIJ will progressively beam its torch on other states with upcoming elections to feel the pulse of the people.
