The proposed Imo state governorship debate being organized by the Guild of Imo Field Journalists (GIFJ) has gathered momentum following the inauguration of a seven-man planning committee.
The debate committee headed by Mr. Chigozie Uzosike of the Newspoint Newspaper, was inaugurated on Wednesday at the City Chef restaurant, Owerri, the Imo state capital.
Other members of the committee are Joshua Chibuzom of Imo Breaking News who is the Secretary, Ifeanyi Iheakanwa of the Bigtruth Newspaper, Edison Okereke of Daily Nigerian Horn, Anselem Anokwute of Whitepaper Newspaper, Nnamdi Iheagwaram of Moment Newspaper and Stevenie Michaels of Trumpeta Newspaper.
Inaugurating them, the Chairman of Guild of Imo Field Journalists, Comrade Kelechi Ugo, said the idea was to bring the governorship candidates of various political parties together with a view to accessing and scrutinizing them for the November 11 election.
He said it was the prerogative of the journalists as members of the fourth estate of the realm, to place measures and standards for those who wish to govern the state because, according to him, the society is looking up to the journalists to enthrone good governance in the state.
Comrade Ugo, who is of the Newsbreak Newspaper, described members of the committee as notable journalists in Imo state who have registered their names in the ink of time.
He urged members of the committee to work in harmony with the chairman and expanded members of the Guild in order to record huge success during the event.
The Chairman of the debate committee, Mr. Chigozie Uzosike, in his speech, thanked the Guild for finding him worthy to chair the committee. He described it as a rare privilege and mark of honour on his person.
He said, “I have accepted the assignment and will do my best to deliver. I am happy that my committee is made up of respected and experienced journalists in the state.
“We are the field marshals who are always there on the field, taking the risk and nosing for news. We Have added so much value to the system and there is no doubt about it. Gentlemen, we cannot afford to fail or disappoint.
“We will reach out to them, the governorship candidates of various political parties for the debate and we know they will honour our invitation.
“We shall fast-track plans in order to beat the two weeks duration given to us and also the election which is about two months from now. The date and venue of the debate shall be communicated to the public.”
