Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia, (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, has defended the responsibility of the media to challenge government policies and decisions, arguing that journalists should be driven by public interest rather than partisan considerations.

Farounbi, in an interview with PrimeStar News Online, said the media and government naturally operate from different positions when it comes to influencing society.

According to him, while governments seek to influence society along partisan lines, the media should pursue change from the standpoint of public service.

He said the resulting tension between government and the media was therefore inevitable.

Farounbi, who described his passion for journalism as rooted in his desire to change society, said he wanted journalists to question policies and ask whether government decisions represented the best options for Nigerians.

He cited issues including electricity, privatisation, public administration and the management of government institutions as areas where journalists should continue to interrogate those in power.

The former ambassador also recalled his years as a newspaper columnist, during which he criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for about eight years.

He said his criticism was not motivated by hatred but by his belief that Obasanjo had the capacity to improve Nigeria and therefore needed to be challenged whenever he believed the administration was drifting.

Farounbi said he eventually wrote a column titled “The Achievements of OBJ” after Obasanjo left office, acknowledging what he considered the former president’s achievements.

He said the experience demonstrated that criticism and commendation could coexist when journalism was guided by public interest rather than personal loyalty.