Avoid unverified stories that could cause uncertainty – DIG warns journalists

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 across the country to desist from publishing sensational and unverified news that adds to the current insecurity could in some parts of the country.

Alabi, who also serves as the Coordinating DIG for the South West Geopolitical Zone, made this appeal on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while delivering a lecture as part of the activities of the 2024 Annual Press Week Public Lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.

Speaking on the theme “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security”, the Police Commissioner stressed the need for the media to prioritize news that promotes national peace, unity and security.

The senior police official also stressed the need for programs and initiatives that prevent terrorists from funding their operations, including providing technical assistance to improve the capacities of allies.

In his words: “There should be responsible reporting with accuracy and balance. It should be unbiased to avoid tension.

“Journalists should avoid sensationalism and derogatory and emotional language that could lead to security breaches.

“Stop giving oxygen to the insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotions. In this way, you will assist them in achieving their goal of disturbing the peace of the nation.

“There should be a more proactive approach to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacker attacks and criminal intrusions.

“Programs should be put in place to prevent terrorists from funding 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 NUJ for the successful press week.

Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, commended journalists working in the state for their fair reporting on government activities and promised further cooperation in achieving his shared prosperity agenda.

In her remarks, NUJ B Zone Vice President, Ms. Ronke Samo, called on the government and security agencies to be functional while promoting free flow of information without interference.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, commended the DIG for the insightful lecture and assured that national peace and security would be a priority on various media platforms.

In his royal message on the occasion, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, urged members of the society not to be deterred from providing useful information to the security forces.

Describing security as a joint effort of the public and security personnel, the traditional ruler encouraged journalists to continue working with security agencies to address the security challenges faced by some parts of the country.