Nigerian Media Politicised – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan, has passed a damning verdict on
the Nigerian media, claiming that the nation’s media is politicised.

According to the President, the Nigerian media is no longer
the voice of the ordinary people, but “the voices of their ‘rich owners’.”

“Before, the media used to be the voice of the ordinary
people, but now, the media is the voice of those who own the media houses and
those who owned the media houses have private jets and those who own private
jets are not ordinary people.”

President Jonathan made this known while unveiling the new
performance assessment scheme for members of his cabinet on Wednesday, to
highlight government’s targets and achievements in all sectors of governance.

The President also blamed the necessity for the new
performance evaluation mechanism on the mass media, which he said no longer
reflects the voice of the ordinary man.

On the signing of the performance assessment scheme,
Jonathan assured the cabinet members that the initiative was not to witch-hunt
any of them.

President Jonathan promised that he would not go back in his
desire to meet the task set before his administration.

He said the exercise was only meant to remind all public
office holders that they are representatives of Nigerians and they (the
officials) are accountable to the people.

“There have been all kinds of speculations about this
exercise. It is important to state what it is and what it is not,” he said.

“I want to assure everyone of you who has taken part in the
exercise that this is not a witch-hunt.”

“It is to remind all of us, from the President to
Directors-General, to advisers and other aides that we are representatives of
the Nigerian people, and we are accountable to them at all times.

“I had stated clearly during the inauguration of the Federal
Executive Council that ministers are expected to be accountable, productive,
transparent and focused.

“In the past two months, many of you have had to make
detailed presentations on the key performance Indicators in your ministries.
Today’s exercise is yet a reminder of our commitment to service delivery for
the common good of Nigerians.”