Ask tough questions, US diplomat charges Nigerian journalists

By Simon Ateba

Nigerian journalists should begin to ask tough questions that will build and strengthen democracy, Jeffery Hawkins, the United States Consul-General in Lagos, said on Monday.

Hawkins, who acknowledged that Nigerian journalists are often easy on him and others in position of authority, challenged them to ask hard, and even uncomfortable questions that will serve the public better.


The diplomat spoke ?at the beginning of a one-day training session of Nigerian editors and reporters aimed at showcasing America’s continuous efforts to support ?credible, free, fair, non-violent and conclusive general elections next year.

The training was facilitated by Eduardo Cue, a veteran journalist who is currently an international news editor with French Television all-news network France 24.

Cue compared journalists, especially political reporters, to football referees ?who are on the same pitch with the players but not directly involved in the game.

Political reporters, he said, should understand and love the game of politics but remain distant from politicians who often lie or manipulate people to gain or remain in power.

“Don’t be deceived,” Cue said, “politicians want only two things: ?gain power or remain in power. The rest doesn’t really matter.”

He said journalists should go beyond repeating claims by politicians by providing the readers with the meaning and context of what politicians are saying.

“You should also tell the readers what they (politicians) are not saying and why they are not saying it,” Cue stated.

He noted that Nigerian newspapers often have some good content but omit context.

He called on Nigerian journalists to be distrustful of any politician and always juxtapose their claims with available facts.