Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says while passionate debates over the place and future of our country can often become tense, care should be taken for them not to polarize or become toxic.
Prof. Osinbajo, SAN, stated this on Friday afternoon in Lagos where he keynoted an event honoring the transition of a number of media gurus in the country.
Titled “An Afternoon of Tributes for Departed Media Leaders”, the event was organized by the Nigerian Press Organization (NPO) and the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON).
According to the Vice President who praised the role of the media in Nigeria’s political history even before the emergence of the country “gatekeepers in the fourth estate must demonstrate a greater awareness of the sensibilities and sensitivities of our society. Debates over our country’s future will always be intense and passionate but they need not be toxic or polarizing.
“The media can help to promote a climate of civility in which even the most contentious national issues can be discussed in full and frank terms without degenerating into chaos.
“Let us reject the temptation to fracture our society and chose instead to elevate those constructive elements in our midst that can promote justice, healing, and togetherness.”
