Independence: Oyo NUJ hails journalists’ contributions, urges neutrality in electioneering
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on Thursday in Ibadan commended Nigerian journalists for their contributions to national development, democratic consolidation and the promotion of accountability.
The council’s chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, and secretary, Temidayo Adu, in a statement to mark Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, described the media as a critical institution in Nigeria’s democratic development.
It noted that journalists had continued to inform citizens, amplify public concerns and hold governments and institutions accountable through professional, responsible and ethical journalism.
The council urged journalists to remain faithful to the ethics of the profession, particularly as the country enters another electioneering period.
It called on practitioners to uphold neutrality, fairness, balance and accuracy in their reportage, while providing all political actors with equal opportunities to present their views.
Oyo NUJ cautioned journalists against allowing their platforms to be used for blackmail, propaganda, character assassination, spread unverified information or undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The council stressed the need for journalists to rigorously verify information before publication and guard against misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other forms of content capable of inflaming tensions or threatening peaceful coexistence.
It also urged political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and engage citizens on policies, programmes and ideas capable of addressing the challenges confronting the country.
The council called on Nigerians, home at abroad, to uphold national unity, peaceful coexistence, patriotism and respect for democratic institutions.
It said the 66th anniversary provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding generation and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.