Why Should Political Leaders Look Down On Journalists? - Mngutyo

The immediate past member of the House of Assembly for Tarka State Constituency in the Benue State Legislature, Rt. Hon Ben Bem Mngutyo, Ph.D, has asked the partisan politicians in Benue State why they tend to perceive media professionals as insignificant stakeholder in development of the state? Mngutyo expressed concern during the July 29th' 2025 congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council held in Makurdi.

His remark came on the heels of complaints by journalists at the congress to the Technical Adviser, Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Hon Solomon Iorpev to convey to Governor Hyacinth Alia as not appearing to entreat them enough as stakeholders for development of the state.

The erstwhile state legislator who served the council as Chairman for two terms, threw his weight behind journalists who praised Hon Iorpev for work, unity to the NUJ and use of good Public Relations skills to excel. Dr. Mngutyo appealed to the Adviser to persuade Governor Alia to reconsider the media as best and first line of his defence of the government policies and programmes.

Analyzing the complaints raised by Journalists, the former NUJ Chairman saw the trend partisan political leaders appear adopting against the practicing journalists in the state. The former Chairman disclosed that the Council under his leadership organized the press week and invited Suswam including other top personalities across many segments of the society.

The past representative of Tarka State Constituency explained that what worried him was failure of the then Governor Suswam he invited to be honoured on account of good performance did not attend the event or delegated any official to represent him.

Mngutyo explained more that wonders as said 'never ended' while Suswam neglected or rejected the award of honour from the media at home, he went out of the state and received a similar award from another section of the media! 

Dr. Mngutyo continued that the opportunity came after the sour experience where he attended one occasion in the house of a top politician with Suswam also in attendance. He explained that the event's organizers recognized NUJ as a key stakeholder and gave him opportunity to make a remark where he sought from the former Governor why the dishonour for journalists in his state but same time, venerate those out there?

According to him the former Governor acknowledged guilt and changed positively and that journalists testify till today about robust relationship they had with the administration.

Experience as said "is the best teacher" the knowledgeable Mngutyo as leader not only in journalism, counseled his media colleagues to have faith in the Fr. Alia administration. The journalist now politician advised the leadership of the union to be vigilant and take advantage of their positions to interact with Governor Alia who believes in the media committed for ensuring the  administration's success.

In this regard, he tended to disagree with the perception that Alia may have disregard for media practitioners in the state. He said "it beats the imagination why the Governor will appear less interested in identifying with journalists who work for development of the state?"