The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Federal Criminal Investigative Department (FCID), Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, has called on journalists nationwide to refrain from publishing sensational and unconfirmed news that may exacerbate the current insecurity in some parts of the country.
Alabi, who also serves as the Coordinating DIG in charge of the South West Geo-political Zone, made this plea on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while delivering a lecture as part of the activities marking the 2024 annual press week public lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
Speaking on the topic “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,” the police boss emphasized the need for the media to prioritize news that fosters national peace, unity, and security.
The senior police officer also stressed the need for programs and initiatives that prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including providing technical assistance to enhance the capacity of allies.
In his words, “There should be responsible reportage with accuracy and balance. It should be unbiased to avoid tensions.
“Journalists should avoid sensationalism, derogatory and emotive language that may trigger security lapses.
“Stop giving oxygen to insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotion. By doing so, you are assisting them in achieving their aims of disrupting the peace of the nation.
“There should be a more proactive approach to protecting Nigerian cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacking and criminal interference.
“There should be the establishment of programs to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical assistance to build the capacity of allies.”
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ for the successful Press Week.
Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, praised journalists operating in the state for what he described as their fair reportage of government activities and pledged further collaboration in the realization of his shared prosperity agenda.
In her remarks, the NUJ Vice President, B-Zone, Mrs. Ronke Samo, urged the government and security agencies to be functional while soliciting a free flow of information without interference.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, commended the DIG for the insightful lecture and assured that national peace and security would be prioritized across various media platforms.
Similarly, in his royal message at the occasion, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, urged members of society not to be discouraged from providing useful information to security operatives.
Describing security as a joint effort between the public and security personnel, the traditional ruler encouraged journalists to continue cooperating with security agencies in addressing the security challenges facing some parts of the country.
Avoid unconfirmed story that may trigger insecurity – DIG warns journalists
