FCT, Abuja – Hon. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, has cleared the air on his decision to decline nomination for an award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Agbese spoke to some journalists in Abuja on Monday, May 6.
Agbese said he doesn’t feel he has done enough for his constituents to merit recognition by a reputable body like the NUJ.
As part of activities to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the NUJ reportedly held an award ceremony on Saturday, May 4, in Abuja.
Agbese, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state and other imminent Nigerians were shortlisted to receive different awards at the event.
However, Agbese, commending the NUJ for the initiative, said neither he nor Governor Alia are award-worthy as they have not kept their promises to the masses.
He said only an insincere leader, a sociopath would accept an award knowing the reality on the ground.
Meanwhile, Agbese criticised Governor Alia for allegedly seeking validation through awards, labelling him as a” narcissistic public officer,” and lamented that the award further validated his poor governance.
The lawmaker also condemned the governor’s alleged neglect of the Benue South senatorial district amidst ongoing violence.
His words:
Meanwhile, TimesNow.com.ng previously reported that the Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Caucus debunked the claims that there were two factions of the ruling party in the state.
They clarified this in a statement released on Sunday, April 14, by Agbese, who also served as the joint spokesman of the NASS members and federal appointees from Benue state.
Agbese said those making such insinuations are “desperate comedians who are struggling for Mr. Ibu’s role in Nollywood.”
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
