By Mala Abdulazeez
The Yobe State Cyber and Information Technology, has cautioned media practitioners and social media users against the spread of fake news, urging them to always verify information before publication or sharing.
The State Focal Person on Cyber and Information Technology Abdulmumin Kolo Gulani, made the call while reacting to recent remarks by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, on the dangers of misinformation in the media space.
He commended Abdulaziz for what he described as timely and wise counsel to journalists, noting that the warning was particularly important amid the circulation of fake statements allegedly attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed, following claims involving businessman Aliko Dangote.
According to Gulani, the spread of unverified information poses serious risks, including reputational damage and erosion of public trust in institutions.
Quoting Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Yobe cyber focal person stressed that the popularity or appearance of credibility of a message does not make it authentic. He noted that journalists must always ascertain the origin of information and confirm whether it was issued by authorised individuals or institutions.
Gulani warned that indiscriminate “copy and paste” journalism could lead to serious consequences if caution is not exercised.
He urged journalists, commentators and social media users to prioritise fact-checking, be wary of sensational headlines, and avoid spreading rumours or unverified claims.
He added that all stakeholders in the information ecosystem share a responsibility to promote accuracy, fairness and accountability in public discourse.
Gulani reiterated his commendation of Abdulaziz Abdulaziz for speaking out on the importance of responsible journalism and verification in an era of rapidly spreading information.
Leave a Reply