Buhari tasks journalists on fair coverage, others

Obaseki harps on ethics
President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked journalists on fair media coverage and responsible practice.

His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said in a statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day today.

Buhari urged journalists to be mindful of fairness, justice, and national interest at all times.

He pledged to ensure unfettered environment for the media to carry out its constitutional responsibility.

The president said a media that objects would only generate unwarranted tension in a plural society like Nigeria.‎

Reflecting on this year’s theme; Keeping Power In Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law, he re-affirmed commitment to an atmosphere in which the media is free from harassment, or any form of attack in the exercise of the profession, within the ambit of the law.

He said: “The media can count on us to keep our words, but we also want to be fairly reported. The media should hold ethics of the noble profession sacrosanct, and be wary of those bent on causing disaffection in the country.

“The world is in the throes of animosities generated by fake news and hate speech, often spawned by some media, particularly the digital variant called social media.”

He urged those involved in the negative antics to reflect, and ponder on how some countries have been thrown into tailspin by irresponsible use of the media.

“As we approach general elections next year, let our journalists resolve to report the process fairly and without bias, irrespective of who is involved. That would be the very essence of World Press Freedom Day,” he said.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki also charged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession.

Obaseki, who spoke in Benin City, said ethical standard was necessary to deepening good governance and fast tracking the country’s advancement.

According to him: “A free, uninhibited and independent press is a major pillar for the sustenance of democracy, good governance and economic advancement.”

Obaseki commended the courage of journalists who daily challenge oppressive governments, obnoxious policies and impunity by political actors.