….. Says it is threat to Journalism Practice and the Nigerian society
By Ikenwa Charity
The minority leader of the House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has cautioned against poor journalist and the unpleasant social consequences of unregulated social media, saying, the influx of amateurs and quacks is a threat to journalism practice and the Nigerian society.
Speaking at the opening of Capacity Building Workshop for the House of Representative Press Corps held on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Fraser Suites, Abuja. Elumelu, lamented that the challenges of fake news, inaccurate reporting and misrepresentation of facts have negative impact on the society.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu , Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha and the House Representatives Press Corp
According to him, an equipped media will not only report facts but also help shape opinion and put the legislature on its toes for the good of the nation adding that the media fought for the establishment of our current democratic dispensation. It has not relented in making sacrifices to ensure that our democracy is not derailed but rather deepened in the overall national interest.’’
‘’Effective and professional dissemination of information is vital to peaceful coexistence, national cohesion, social stability, economic growth and political development. The media therefore has the burden to not only report facts but also adhere to the principles of information gate keeping and social responsibility.’’
‘’It is instructive to state that while we give all support to the entrenchment of press freedom, the media must also endeavor to respect the rights of others and operate within the ambit of the law.’’
‘’With the advent of social media comes the influx of amateurs and quacks in addition to the challenges of fake news, inaccurate reporting and misrepresentation of facts, with their serious negative impact on our society.’’
He said that, the frenzy for breaking news result to abuse of professional checks and information gate keeping. Gory contents, including photographs and videos that do more harm to our society are posted without restrain and control. ‘’
‘’This has led to unpleasant social consequences sometimes resulting in avoidable violence social unrest, sectional animosity and hostility, personal loses, economic depression breakdown of relationship, killings and even suicide.’’
‘’The challenge has brought serious debate regarding the regulation of the social media in Nigeria. You as professionals in the media industry must come together to assist in finding a way through these challenges.’’
He noted that, ‘’another area of concern is that of remuneration and welfare of journalists, the condition and environment in which you practice as well as the challenges of ownership in the industry.
‘’Journalists work under a very hazardous circumstance and the task can be frustrating in the absence of proper remuneration. Such situation opens practitioners up to lures towards unwholesome practices.’’
Elumelu urged the Journalists to come up with suggestions and recommendations on issues of welfare and safety of journalists, fake news as well as the demands of social responsibility in the industry.
He assured the press corp of his continued support and that of members of the Minority caucus of the House of Representatives in ensuring a conducive atmosphere to operate.
‘’May I also commend the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung as well as the House Press Corps for your effort in organizing this workshop.’’ He concluded.
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