THE Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Sheikh Isa Pantami, has urged Nigerians, particularly media practitioners, to eschew the spread of fake news, saying it is among the causes of disunity in the country.
The minister made the plea in Lagos at an event organised to mark the third anniversary of Muslim News, an Islamic newspaper.
He called on all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe, to always speak the truth and promote goodness.
Pantami was the recipient of the Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year 2020 award at the event where other Muslim personalities who have excelled in their various professions, including law, media, health and entertainment, were also honoured.
The other awardees include Dr Femi Abbas, a veteran journalist; Mr Ibrahim Yakubu Umar, Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; and Dr Saliu Oyelami, MD, Shifauk Hospital, who were recognised as the Nigerian Muslim Media, Legal and Health Persons of the Year 2020, respectively.
According to Pantami, who also chaired the occasion, Islam denounces fake news and there is no portion of the Qur’an or Hadith where spreading of falsehood is encouraged.
The minister, who described the theme of the anniversary as apt, said that discussing the negative impacts of “media framing,” fake news and hate speech and proffering solutions was one of the most important things to be doing, especially at this point in the history of Nigeria.
He said: “Fake and biased news is one of the issues causing disunity in our country. Irrespective of our religion or tribe, we must try to promote goodness, speak the truth, do what is right and encourage others to do what is right. In all the verses of the Qur’an, there is no place Allah agrees with fake news.
“For our friends who are in the media, they should always abide by this rule of investigating. This goes beyond the ethics of journalism. It is part of the ethics of Islam as a religion. If we can comply with this, we will make Nigeria a better place for all.”
The minister commended, Muslim News, the organisers of the event, for consistently spreading truth and promoting goodness in the last three years of its existence.
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