The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, on Thursday tasked journalists on the need to avoid the push for sensational journalism so as not to breed anarchy in the country.
In his speech during the inauguration of the Advisory, Ethics and Privilege Committees set up by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council at the IBB Pen House, Minna, Bello said journalists should not act out of ignorance.
According to him: “Remain watchdog of the society, especially in the fight against corruption.
“Your responsibilities are enormous in a democratic dispensation.
“Misinformation can breed anarchy.
“You must avoid the push for sensational journalism.”
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Ahmad Mohammed Ketso, urged journalists to always confirm reports before publication.
He said: “You need to be seen as an integration unit in the country and analysing issues that unite us than those negative issues that tend to threaten the existence and unity of the nation.
“Journalists in Niger State must adhere strictly to the ethics of the profession and follow the footpaths of veterans by tapping from their wealth of experiences.
“You must avoid the push for sensational journalism.
“Let us join hands to fight corruption and expose its perpetrators in all shades and forms.”
The Acting National President of the NUJ, Rotimi Obamuwagun, while presenting the Grand Patron award to Bello, called for financial support to the State Council and vehicular provision.
“All practitioners in the state and nationwide should be respected and accorded conducive working environment,” Obamuwagun said.
The Chairman of the Niger State Council, Mohammed Mohammed, said the essence of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee was to move the union forward.
Fourteen veterans were inaugurated, with Ambassador Zubairu Dada as chairman and Elder Dipo Laleye as Secretary.