By Sani Bala Karo
In an effort to contain the spate of misinformation and fake news emanating from some quarters of the media, the Kano State Government and the state Online Media Chapel have agreed to strengthen collaboration with the aim of promoting ethical and responsible journalism while reporting security affairs of the state.
Speaking at an interactive session with Kano Online Media Chapel, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, stated that this was in continuation of the media engagements of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the security situation of the state.
He stressed that, this was necessary inview of the emerging security concerns in some local governments bordering Katsina State where attacks have been reported recently.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya advised journalists in the state to avoid distortive narratives capable of portraying the state gloomy or undermine efforts of our security agencies. He said it was unjust and unfair for a national daily to use reports of spontaneous attacks on three LGAs to make the entire state a new frontier of banditry, saying that was unwarranted.
He urged them to support efforts being made to address insecurity rather than amplifying rumours, exaggerations or posting unverified content that could disrupt and worsen public peace.
The Commissioner noted that Online Media Chapel plays a vital role in the emerging digital communication with capable platforms of reaching millions of people, far and wide across the globe.
He therefore averred, “professionalism, accuracy and adherence to ethical standards should remain the guiding principles of online journalists for the state to experience peace and economic growth”.
Going forward, the commissioner hinted that, to curb fake news and misleading reports often originated from online outlets, government is looking into setting up a joint information platform to provide timely, credible and verified information before publishing.
This is expected to enhance coordination between government, security agencies and media practitioners in the state.
Responding, the Chairman of Online Media Chapel of the state, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo assured the government of the chapel’s commitment to ethical and developmental journalism inorder to move the state to a greater height. He equally urged the chapel members to refrain from publishing content that could mislead or fuel insecurity and on the other hand reaffirm the chapel’s readiness to work with government to achieve a lasting peace and development in the state.
