Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger collaboration between the government and the media in discharging their shared responsibility for national development.

Mr Shettima described the media leaders as the crème de la crème and conscience of the nation on Tuesday when the leadership of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice president, who insisted on balance and objectivity in reportage, urged editors to maintain their watchdog role while supporting national development.

“When we do good, please commend us. When we are going astray, guide us because we have to salvage this nation, not for our own sake but for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he said.

Mr Shettima made a strong case for a balanced partnership to drive national unity and economic growth. He pledged the government’s support to ensure the sustainability of the fourth estate of the realm.

He said the time has come to prioritise governance over political considerations and called for partnership with the media.

“Let us work together for the nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. We are now in the period of governance and not politics,” Mr Shettima said.

The vice president acknowledged the economic challenges confronting the media and pledged the government’s support to sustain quality journalism.

“My heart bleeds for the Nigerian media because of the dwindling economic fortunes they face,” said Mr Shettima.

“Be rest assured that we will do whatever it takes to support the media in continuing their work,” he added.

Responding, president of the guild and editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Eze Anaba, commended Mr Shettima’s commitment to transparent governance.

He lauded the vice president for explaining the government’s economic policies as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).

“You have been prolific in talking about the state of the economy in your responsibility as the Chairman of the National Economic Council,” Mr  Anaba said.

He further emphasised the readiness of the media to partner with the government while maintaining its independence.

(NAN)