Purge media of bad eggs, Lawan urges Nigerian journalists

Published:

By Abba Gwale

The President of Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has called on the media to purge the profession of bad eggs whose immoral activities are denting the credibility and image of the mainstream media practitioners in the country.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, Lawan felicitated with Nigerian journalists as they celebrate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, noting that May 3, 2021, is set aside every year to remind every government around the world of their need to help and respect press freedom, and also to remind journalists the need to respect the ethics of their profession during exercising their duty.

He said he is proud that Nigeria has a vibrant media that has always maintain freedom of speech.

The Senate President further said freedom of the press enables journalists to effectively discharge their roles as the watchdog of the society and Fourth Estate of the Realm.

He said, “I also celebrate the Nigerian journalists for the invaluable contributions and sacrifices that they have made throughout our national history to nation-building and entrenchment of democracy.

“I pay tribute to the patriots, who have lost their lives in the line of duty and pray that their death will not be in vain.

“The Ninth Senate and the National Assembly, in general, will never pass any law that inhibits the freedom of the press, but rather work with the media to further enhance the practice of the profession,”

He however said, “It is in this light that I call on the practitioners to purge their noble profession of the bad eggs, whose nefarious activities are denting the credibility and reputation of the mainstream practitioners.

The leadership organs of the profession also need to adopt practical measures to check the activities of the purveyors of fake news.

My belief is that the menace of fake news is capable of eroding the integrity and credibility of the media in general, and this should not be allowed to happen,” he said.

The Senate President also wished the media a hitch free celebration.

Related articles

Recent articles

spot_img