Journalists must lead fight against fake news, says Kaduna governor

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has urged professional journalists to devise ways of purging the social media space of misinformation for a better society.

Governor Sani noted that the social media space has opened up for all manner of people, polluting the environment with half-truths and insensitive materials that are masquerading as sound information.

He said the misinformation on social media has become a challenge for journalism, advising that journalists should not remain passive but offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse anchored on the practice and ethics of the journalism profession.

The governor spoke on Thursday through his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Prof. Bello Ayuba, at a symposium organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council.

“The NUJ commendably has been a worthy partner, praising our efforts where such praises are merited and, as well, pointing out our flaws with appropriate suggestions on the way forward. We pray that the partnership continues in the overall interest of the people of Kaduna State.

“This event, particularly the topic for discourse, ‘The Nature of Journalism Practice in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,’ could not have been more apt at this point in time when the world is facing threats from unscrupulous users of social media.

“The situation today is that the social media space has opened up for all manner of people, with the result that the atmosphere is polluted with fake news, half-truths, and insensitive materials that are masquerading as sound information.

“Therein lies the challenge for journalism. Do we remain passive as charlatans assail public sensibilities with their own version of what the public ought to know, or do we offer a way out of the mess and redirect public discourse firmly anchored on the practice and ethics of journalism?

“I believe we should devise ways of sorting out the grain of authentic information from the chaff if we are to save society from the deluge of misinformation which is threatening to misdirect the public.

“It is gratifying that journalists themselves are at the forefront of reshaping public thinking on the new media, evident in the event we have today. I am certain our speaker today will help us navigate our way through the maze of misinformation which has inundated our spaces,” Sani said.