Security experts and leaders have emphasized the critical role of unbiased and balanced journalism in addressing Nigeria's insecurity. This call was made during the 5th Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) held on Wednesday, in Asaba, Delta State.
The annual lecture themed "Security Challenges: Finding a Local Implementable Solution," the event drew notable attendees, including Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, security officials, and other stakeholders.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Information Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security. He detailed steps being taken, including partnerships with stakeholders, the deployment of resources, and the rebranding of the state’s joint security force as Operation Delta Sweep.
The governor emphasized that peace and security are foundational to development, forming a core pillar of his administration's MORE Agenda. He also lauded the media's role in fostering dialogue and development, urging journalists to embrace responsible reporting that promotes national unity and societal harmony.
"We are very conscious of the fact that Enhanced Peace and Security creates the right atmosphere for social and economic life and it is quite obvious that the other aspects of the development agenda cannot materialize without deliberate and sustained prevalence of peace and security.
"We have built and initiated mechanisms to detect early warning signals, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and conflict control. We have equally engaged with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and women, amongst others, to maintain peace and resolve conflicts.
The keynote speaker, Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stressed the importance of ethical journalism, urging media practitioners to avoid involvement in cybercrimes, fake news, and misinformation. "The moment you demand money to withhold or publish a story, you undermine the profession," he said, highlighting the critical need for journalists to verify stories with all parties involved before publication.
According to him, "it is a big problem that the Nigerian government is trying to battle", quoting the media manager of President Ahmed Tinubu, to have said the president has ordered security agencies to clampdown on Yahoo boys.
"It is a big problem that most of our young ones who are ICT guru, they use their knowledge in a wrong way and that is why you see all these people when security agencies arrest them, they compromise.
"Arrest them, they collect money and they allow them to go. They compromise, that person you think you want to help, collect from because they are making post so that they don't go to court, it is still the same people that will expose you, they will do video.
"We have some agents online that you think they are just Nigerians but they are doing their businesses. They help them to recover their money and they get their percentage. They are only silent about it, it is only the police or other Agencies that they say are corrupt.
"The so-called activist that comes online that they have recovered money and says police are corrupt, the person too, is corrupt because he is getting percentage of the money recovered from the police.
He charged Journalists to ensure they confirm their reports by way if putting calls across to all parties involved in a matter, rather than being used as a "paid journalist", or making monetary demands, "the moment you have a story you want to publish and you have reached out to the person or your target and you are demanding for money, you are not doing journalism against.
"That is why most of the online publishers that we often arrest, we stumble on so many contents. We have to profile them; we have the machines.
"If you know you have your facts, call him for comments. If he doesn't want to comment, a no comment is a comment, publish and go ahead. Why must you demand for money? He queried.
He disclosed that the action is contrary to prohibition Act of 2024, as amended, just as he called for a collective collaboration from all and sundry in the policing of any society, stressing that it that was done, the concept of policing won't be gotten alright.
The event’s chairman, public relations expert, Elder Emma Ogidi, emphasized the need for media houses to adhere to professional ethics. Governor Oborevwori added, “The media has a powerful impact on society and must reflect the positive values of unity and harmony. Let us embrace responsible journalism that promotes peace and development.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to openness and transparency, describing the media as “reliable partners in progress.” He called for collaborative efforts to ensure Delta State remains a secure and prosperous hub for residents and investors.
