The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Federal Criminal Investigative Department (FCID) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, has urged journalists nationwide to avoid publishing sensational or unverified news that could aggravate the insecurity in some parts of the country.
DIG Alabi, who also serves as the Coordinating DIG for the South West Geo-political Zone, made the call on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while delivering a lecture during the 2024 annual Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
Speaking on the topic “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,” Alabi emphasized that media practitioners must prioritize reports that promote peace, unity, and security.
He stressed the importance of responsible journalism to prevent unnecessary tensions and security challenges.
“There should be responsible reportage with accuracy and balance. It should be unbiased to avoid tensions,” Alabi stated. “Journalists should avoid sensationalism, derogatory, and emotive language that could trigger security lapses.”
The police chief also urged journalists to stop providing a platform for insurgents, warning that giving publicity to their activities aids their disruptive objectives.
“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,” he said.
Alabi further advocated for improved measures to protect Nigerian cyberspace from criminal activities, calling for the establishment of programs to cut off terrorist financing and build the capacity of allies through technical assistance.
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the NUJ Ekiti State Council for organizing a successful Press Week.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the governor applauded journalists in the state for their fair coverage of government activities and pledged continued collaboration to achieve the state’s shared prosperity agenda.
The NUJ Vice President for B-Zone, Mrs. Ronke Samo, also spoke at the event, urging security agencies and the government to ensure smooth communication with the media.
She emphasized the need for unhindered information flow to strengthen security efforts.
NUJ Ekiti State Council Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, expressed appreciation to DIG Alabi for his insightful lecture.
He assured that journalists would remain committed to promoting peace and security through responsible reporting.
In a related address, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, encouraged citizens to continue providing relevant information to security personnel, noting that public cooperation is essential in tackling security challenges.
He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility between the public and law enforcement agencies.
The event highlighted the critical role of the media in fostering national unity and the importance of collaboration between journalists and security agencies to address Nigeria’s security issues.
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