Anosike To NUJ: “Your Microphone Should Be A Microscope, Not A Megaphone”

PDP Guber Candidate Pledges Welfarist Government, 100-Day Completion Of NUJ Secretariat

UMUAHIA, Abia State – The Abia State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, on Thursday met with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council at the union’s monthly congress, where he promised a “welfarist government” that will empower the media and prioritise the welfare of journalists.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the event held at the NUJ Press Centre, No. 66 Aba Road, Umuahia, Dr. Anosike said he came “not to speak like a politician, but as a statesman” to review the relationship between government, the media, and the people.

PDP Guber Candidate Dr Kelechi Anosike flanked by the NUJ Chairman, Chidi Asonye and NUJ national treasurer, Victor Ndukwe with deputy Guber Candidate Elder Abraham Amah.

Dr. Anosike, who described himself as the “welfareist governorship candidate” for the 2027 election, said the media should not be a campaign instrument for politicians but a partner in democratic accountability.

“The journalist’s microphone should be more of a microscope, and not a megaphone for politicians. It should be explaining government policies and how it affects the people,” he said.

He added that a welfarist government does not fear the media but empowers it to “ask those hard questions, interrogate and investigate what we do, and report to government where policies are hurting the people.”

According to him, in 2027 the election “must be a referendum of ideas, not personalities or social media hype,” urging journalists to ask candidates: _“What exactly will you do? How much will it cost? Where will the money come from? How will citizens measure success?”_

The PDP candidate said the welfare of journalists cannot be separated from the welfare of Abia people.

“A welfarist government should be concerned about journalists’ working conditions, safety and security, access to information, and professional training,” he stated.

He promised that within 100 days in office, his administration would complete and upgrade the abandoned NUJ secretariat in Umuahia and equip it with modern ICT facilities.

“As a welfarist government, within the 100 days in office, we will award the completion of that NUJ secretariat. It must be done,” he declared.

Dr. Anosike also pledged immediate support to ease NUJ operations, saying: “First thing tomorrow morning should be a small generator to power here. We will also provide fans. By our next congress, it won’t be this hot.”

He emphasised that government and the media are not enemies, arguing that a government that blocks access to information is not a responsible government.

“A welfarist government respects media independence and grants access to information. A government that blocks access to information is not a responsible government,” he said.

Dr. Anosike further outlined aspects of his “welfarism” agenda, including “Operation Feed Abia, OFA” for agriculture, “No Abia Student Left Behind” policy for tertiary health and entrepreneurship grants, and a focus on measurable human outcomes rather than just projects commissioned.

On politics, the candidate said the PDP remains the most structured party in Abia and will “take back government in 2027.”

“If anyone tells you PDP killed Abia in 24 years, tell them all those people are no longer in PDP. They are in APC, Labour, ADC. This is a new PDP with a welfarist mindset. It’s about the people,” he said.

He concluded by urging the NUJ to hold him accountable if elected: “I’m not just asking for media support. I’m asking the media to interrogate Kelechi Anosike. If I make a claim, ask for evidence. Government provides the environment, journalism provides the scrutiny. Together, we serve the people.”

The congress was chaired by NUJ Abia Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, with Secretary, Comrade Iyke Onuegbu and attended by both journalists and veterans alike.