By Okechukwu Okechukwu
The Association of Digital Media Core Advocates (ADMCA), Friday, enjoined media practitioners in Nigeria to refrain from disseminating information capable of dividing or instigating war in the country.
The Convener of ADMCA, Dr. Chuma-odili Harris, who gave the advice at a summit organised by the association under the theme, Role of media in countering political intolerance, electoral violence and fake news, explained that it was necessary especially in the 2023 general elections.
According to him, "the essence of this is to ensure that media managers, handlers, influencers and sundry skilled men and women in the digital media value chain, see it as a point of duty to discharge their duties in a way our peace and sanctity are not deflated. We must be on guard to make sure nothing untoward happens to our state and country while sharing information as regards the electoral contests coming in the next couple of days."
"In the next couple of days, Nigeria will be having a very crucial general election. And much is at stack which is why it will go down to the history of Nigeria as one of the most keenly contested election. So many issues are being thrown up, bordering on intolerance, propaganda, fake news, thuggery as well as outright violence. Which is why as media people, there's need for us to play that crucial role of informing the masses about the dangers of this ugly tendencies."
Also speaking, the Vice President, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), South East zone, Sir. Emma Ifesinachi stressed that journalists have responsibility of safe guilding the conscience of the society.
"If the society stands or collapse, it affacts us all. Everyrthing we reports affects us positively or negatively. You should consider the consequences of all reports published or broadcasted. Be professionals and also be conscious of what you report," he noted.