BY LAW IBITOYE
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Federal Criminal Investigative Department, FCID, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Abiodun Alabi, has called on Journalists nationwide to refrain from sensational and unconfirmed news that may heighten the current insecurity ravaging some parts of the country
Alabi, who also doubles as the Coordinating DIG in charge of the South West Geo-political Zone, gave the charge on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, while delivery a lecture as part of the activities marking the 2024 annual press week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
Speaking on a lecture entitled “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,” the police boss highlighted the need for media practitioners to place more priority on news that would foster national peace, unity and security.
The Senior Police Officer also solicited the tasked Journalists on programmes and events that will prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical assistance to enhance allies’ capacity.
His words, “There should be responsible reportage by virtue of accuracy and balancing. It should be balanced, accurate and unbiased in order to avoid tensions.
“Journalists should avoid sensationalism, derogative and emotive languages, that may trigger security lapses.
“Stop giving oxygen to insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotions In doing this, you will continue to assist them to achieve their aims of truncating the peace of the nation.
“There should be a more proactive protection of Nigerian cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacking and criminal interference
“There should be establishment of Programmes to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical tasks assistance to build the capacity of allies”.
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji commended the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ for the successful Press Week.
Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on the media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, praised Journalists operating in the State for what he described as fair reportage of government activities and pledged further collaboration in the realisation of his shared prosperity agenda.
In her remark, the NUJ Vice President, B-Zone, Mrs Ronke Samo, urged the government and security agencies to be functional, while also soliciting for free flow of information without any interference.
The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi commended the DIG for the impactful lecture, while giving assurance to prioritize national peace and security on various platforms.
Similarly, in his royal message at the occasion, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore urged members of the society not to be discouraged from giving useful information to the security operatives.
Describing security as a joint effort between members of the public and the security operatives, the traditional ruler urged Journalists to continue to cooperate with the security agencies in tackling the security challenges currently ravaging some parts of the country.