Fake news, hate speech will undermine Nigeria’s image if… ― FG

THE Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, on Tuesday, insisted that fake news and hate speech would undermine the image of Nigeria, hence the need to tackle it professionally.

He, therefore, sought for more supports of journalists in tackling insecurity across the country.

Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of Aso Television and an ultra modern Aso Radio studio, owned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the minister, who called for the support further said fair reportage of happenings in the society by journalists would unite Nigerians.

Alhaji Muhammed implored the media organizations and journalists to always provide news content that would unite Nigerians, than content that would divide them.

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According to him, “journalists and media organizations should provide contend that will unite Nigerians, interest of the country must be taken paramount than that of individuals, If journalists avoid sensitionalism and continue to be fair in their reportage it will go along way in supporting the government fight against insecurity.”

“This is to say that, interest of the country must be placed above any other interest. We should think Nigeria first.” He stated.

The minister regretted that the current insecurity being experienced in Nigeria was being linked to religion and ethnicity by some individuals.

“The present insecurity in the country has nothing to do with religion and ethnicity, like the bandits and cattle rustling in states like Zamfara, Kaduna and others killed mostly people from the same religion and ethnicity,” he said.

In his speech, the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said the work on Aso Television and Radio which started in 2004 was completed by the present administration in line with President Muhammad Buhari’s infrastructural development initiative.

“The FCT administration is replicating the steps of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in infrastructural development, which has given birth to another child in FCT, Aso TV,” he added.

Malam Bello urged the staff to develop a good contend that will unite Nigerians, shun sensationalism and practice fair journalism.