2019: Lai Mohammed urges journalists to shun fake news

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has appealed to Nigerian Journalists to avoid peddling fake news especially as the 2019 general election approaches.

He insisted that abiding by the ethics of honesty, fairness and balance was pertinent to the security and safety of journalists from assaults and harassments.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), Bayo Onanuga, stated these at an event to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Minister who expressed dismay at the propensity of crimes perpetrated against journalists in their line of duty, appealed to them to always equip themselves with the truth and tenets of the profession.

“Assaults and impunities would always come; this is because nobody likes to hear the truth, so journalists should always be prepared to defend themselves.

“The best defense is upholding the truth in whatever you write, such that when confronted or challenged with allegations of lies, you can defend your report”, he stated.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, advised media organizations to establish a department to monitor and analyze conflicts Hot Spots across the nation.

He said this would better prepare the journalists on how to avoid those places.

“As the 2019 general elections approaches, it is expected that journalists must have identified volatile areas, especially in rural areas.

“They must also possess political intelligence skills that will guide their movement during the polls.

“Media organisations should provide insurance covers to indemnify Journalists in the event of injuries, assault or death”, he advised.

The Former IGP identified low remuneration of Media practitioners as a major challenge impeding the ethical practice of the profession, stating that it is sad that some Journalists have to financially fend for themselves, without payment from media organisations.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay in her commemorative speech condemned the murder of 1,010 Journalist and media professionals since 2006 globally, adding that nine out of such cases have not been brought to court.

“We must urgently address the specific threats which face women Journalists and ultimately extend to the Journalistic profession as a whole.

“The fight against impunity is inseparable from the defence of fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of the press and access to information”, she stated.

Ms Audrey emphasised the critical role of Journalists’ freedom to the attainment of better informed societies.