The Federal Government has commended the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the Ombudsman, for its impartial and thorough investigation, which found Daily Trust’s report on the Samoa Agreement to be inaccurate, misleading, and not in line with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.
This was contained in a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, and sighted by The Eagle Online on Tuesday.
The Eagle Online had reported that the Federal Government had dragged Daily Trust Newspapers before Nigeria’s Media Ombudsman, over its story on the Samoa agreement.
A statement by NMCC on Sunday acknowledged receipt of the federal government’s complaint, adding that investigation into the matter had commenced.
The statement, according to available information, was signed by Emeka Izeze and Feyi Smith, Chairman and Interim Secretary of NMCC respectively.
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It said that the federal government’s complaint, dated July 8, was signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of the Minister, Mohammed Idris.
The government, according to the statement, alleged that on July 4, 2024, the newspaper published an article “containing false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.”
Consequently, the commission, in its 19-page report, said after scrutinising the complaint of the government, as well as the response of the newspaper, which it had sought and obtained, found the Daily Trust story complained about as “inaccurate”.
The NMCC, however, also accused the federal government of poor handling of issues around the Samoa Agreement it signed, stating that had the government demonstrated “greater openness, transparency and accountability” in dealing with matters relating to the deal, “the attendant conjectures and speculations about the content of the Samoa Agreement could have been avoided.”
The NMCC, chaired by Emeka Izeze, former Managing Director of The Guardian, has among its members, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr A. B. Mahmoud (SAN); a Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna; the Editor-in-Chief of Diamond Publication, Mr Lanre Idowu; and the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Mr Edetaen Ojo.
Other members of the body are Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, a journalist, lawyer and arbitrator; Mrs. Eugenia Abu, broadcaster, author, columnist and former Executive Director, Programmes at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); and Dr. Hussain Abdu, the Country Director of Care International (Nigeria).
In its verdict, the NMCC ruled that Daily Trust failed to meet journalistic standards as stipulated in the 2022 Revised Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists, stressing that the newspaper’s report complained about, which was published on July 4, 2024, was found to be inaccurate, particularly in suggesting that the Samoa Agreement contained provisions relating to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) rights.
The Ombudsman, further in its ruling, held that the article complained about was inaccurate, and that it violated Article 2.1 of the Revised Code of Journalism Ethics, 2022.
It, therefore, directed Daily Trust to issue an apology in both its print and online editions, and that it should take internal editorial steps to prevent future occurrence
Reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday, the federal government said the ruling of the Ombudsman serves as a testament to the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability.
It added that it also serves as a reminder of the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception through truthful and accurate reporting.
“The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced.
“This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided.
“The Federal Government recognizes that a free press is a pillar of democracy but with this freedom comes the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation.
“It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable.
“The Federal Government appreciates the recommendations made by the NMCC, including the directive to Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its false report on the Samoa Agreement and take measures to prevent future occurrence.
“The call for increased transparency and proactive information dissemination by Federal Government institutions is duly noted, and steps will be taken to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about matters of public interest.
“The Federal Government is committed to fostering an environment where the media thrives while also remaining accountable to the ethical standards of the profession.
“We call on all media organizations to continue to uphold these standards and work collaboratively in the dissemination of accurate information, which is essential for a well-informed and active citizenry.
“Let this ruling by the National Media Complaints Commission against Daily Trust serve as a benchmark for journalistic excellence, and also strengthen the bonds between the media, the government, and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read.
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