As the nation grapples with security challenges ravaging it, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has called on media practitioners to shun any reportage or vices that will brew crisis in the country.
Bello, while calling on journalists at the World Press Freedom Day dinner jointly organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, to take advantage of the profession to effect positive change, urged them to confirm their reports before publication.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, said all forms of sectional reporting should be discouraged in the country.
He said: “We must use our pen to promote the unity of this country.
“The print media is now sectional and regional, so much that some of them promote ethnicity and sometimes religious division and are regional biased.
“We should be concerned with what unites us and not what will divide us.
“I wish the National Assembly would pass a bill that will promote the unity of Nigeria.”
Bello further called on media organisations to look into the welfare of their reporters and ensure that journalists are well paid and taken care of.
Also, the Niger State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Idris Ndako, admonished media practitioners in the country not to be afraid in the dissemination of information.
“Don’t ever underrate any institution in this country. If you want to say anything, say it as you see it and do not be afraid because that will be your greatest beginning,” Ndako added.
Commending journalists in the State, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Jibrin Ndace, said only journalists amongst all professionalss in the country do not take oaths of office.
Ndace however urged practitioners to be mindful of what is reported “because sometimes some reports can stir up crisis and send wrong messages.
“We need to report in a professional manner.
“If we abuse the power of the pen, we can set the country on fire.
“Also, anyone who undermines kournalists, does that at his own peril.”