Misplaced Criticism, Politics of Division in Anambra’s Media Space

By Titus Eleweke

The recent call by Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for a review of the four-year tenure of Mr. Christian Aburime as Press Secretary to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo raises serious questions about motive, credibility, and leadership within the media community in Anambra State.
At first glance, such a call may appear to be an exercise in accountability. However, a closer look suggests that it is largely self-serving and misdirected. Rather than contributing to constructive discourse within the profession, the move appears aimed at exerting undue influence over the Office of the Press Secretary,an interference that is neither appropriate nor necessary in a professional environment.
Dr. Odogwu’s accusation that Aburime deliberately divided journalists in Anambra State is particularly troubling. The challenges confronting the media community in the state cannot reasonably be attributed to the Press Secretary . If anything, the persistent fragmentation among journalists today reflects deeper internal issues within the union itself,issues that have become more pronounced during Odogwu’s tenure as chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council.
Indeed, many journalists would agree that the union has rarely been as polarized as it is today. Participation in meetings has declined, confidence in leadership has waned, and divisions within the organization have deepened. These realities raise legitimate questions about the effectiveness of the current leadership and its ability to unite the profession.
It is therefore surprising that Odogwu has chosen to focus his energy on scrutinizing the performance of the governor’s Press Secretary when his own stewardship of the NUJ remains subject to serious concerns. Before demanding accountability from others, leadership requires the humility to first account for one’s own record.
Even more troubling is the argument advanced by Odogwu that the position of Press Secretary should be reserved for an indigene of Anambra State. Such a proposition is not only professionally unsound but also fundamentally inconsistent with the inclusive governance philosophy repeatedly emphasized by Governor Soludo.
Public service appointments should be determined by competence, experience, and commitment not by narrow considerations of state origin. Introducing such a parochial standard into the discourse risks undermining the principles of merit and inclusiveness that should guide governance in a modern democracy.
The irony of this position is not lost on observers. During his campaign for a second term as NUJ chairman, Odogwu reportedly deployed a similar argument against a rival candidate, Mrs. Ngozi Obileri, claiming that her marital ties outside the state disqualified her from leading the union. Yet Mrs. Obileri is herself Anambra-born, demonstrating how easily such ethnic narratives can distort facts and damage professional relationships.
Leadership within a professional body like the NUJ demands maturity, fairness, and a broad outlook. It requires the ability to rise above personal grievances and focus on strengthening the collective interests of journalists. Unfortunately, the current situation suggests a pattern of exclusion, vendetta, and factionalism that has weakened the organization’s cohesion.
The claim that government stipends meant for journalists were distributed irregularly over the past four years also deserves scrutiny. Assertions of this magnitude require verifiable evidence, not speculation. Responsible journalism demands rigorous analysis and factual clarity,standards that must apply equally to those who lead the profession.
For the record, defending the principles of fairness and inclusiveness does not necessarily mean endorsing the performance of any particular government official. Accountability remains essential in public service. However, criticism must be grounded in objectivity and integrity, not personal frustration or political maneuvering.
If anything, the energy currently directed toward attacking the Office of the Press Secretary would be better be invested in rebuilding unity within the NUJ and restoring the confidence of journalists who have gradually distanced themselves from the union.
Ultimately, the future of journalism in Anambra State depends not on divisive rhetoric but on responsible leadership and professional solidarity. Attempts to introduce narrow ethnic considerations into public discourse will only deepen existing fractures and distract from the real work of strengthening the profession.
For Anambra’s media community, the path forward must be guided by inclusiveness, credibility, and a shared commitment to the principles that define responsible journalism.