Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Friday called on the media to hold public office holders accountable through objective criticisms of government activities, while commending them when necessary.

Oshiomhole gave the charge in Benin when the executive officers of the Edo Council of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists visited him in Benin.

He said, "The media must remind those in government to governor well to give confidence to the people.

"And you can help to keep us on our toes," Oshiomhole said, adding, "a good medium does not publish as if it was a government gazette".

He stressed the need for the media to always strive to be independent, and said that in a democracy the media was the guardian that must constantly remind those in government to respect the people they govern.

He commended the officials led by its Chairman, Mr Simon Ebegbulem, for conducting a free and fair election.

Oshiomhole said that each time trade unions conducted elections without rigging, it gave hope to the people that one day, "Nigeria will conduct elections that will be free and fair, and devoid of rigging". (NAN)