Prof. Peter Umeadi, Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), has called on the media to provide equal opportunities for all candidates ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
Umeadi, in a statement, made the call shortly after receiving award of International Ambassador of African Culture at the 10th edition of the Nollywood New Yam Festival in Abuja.
He also called on the media to use its platforms to effect positive change in the nation’s political system.
He said that media was powerful enough to guide people on the right path and also help to produce credible leaders.
He expressed regret at a situation where some media professionals were biased in their presentations during town hall meetings and other political activities.
” Denial of equal airtime to all political parties by public media contravens Section 95 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“It is the responsibility of the media to provide a level playing ground for all aspirants to make known their manifestoes at all political gatherings without regards to candidates or aspirant’s status or popularity.
“This will enable the electorate to be well informed on the intentions of the aspirants.”
Speaking on the Nollywood Award, Umeadi explained that he had been a lover of all efforts that would promote positive cultural values.
He said that from childhood, he had played positive roles in drama, civic and sporting activities while in school, after school and during his career in his services to the nation.
”While in school at CKC Onitsha in 1971, I played a major role in a popular drama, entitled, “Dinner for Promotion” written by James Ene Henshaw.
” These activities in various ways have tremendously helped in engaging the youth positively and contrbute in community development projects.”
The National Coordinator of the Nollywood Yam Festival programme, Mr Onwurah Agility, said the award of International Ambassador of African culture to the APGA Presidential aspirant, was in recognition of his contrbutions.
Agility said the contributions were in terms of youths employment, growth and development of the Nollywood industry and community development.(NAN)
