Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Abiodun Alabi, wey be in charge of Federal Criminal Investigative Department (FCID) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, don warn journalists across Nigeria to stop publishing sensational and unconfirmed news that fit trigger insecurity for some parts of the country.
Alabi, who also be the Coordinating DIG for South West Geo-political Zone, make this plea on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, during a lecture as part of the activities marking the 2024 Annual Press Week public lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
Speaking on the topic “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,” the police boss emphasize the need for media to prioritize news that foster national peace, unity, and security. He say journalists should avoid sensationalism, derogatory and emotive language that may trigger security lapses.
Alabi warn, “Stop giving oxygen to insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotions. In doing this, you will continue to assist them in achieving their aims of truncating the peace of the nation.” He also call for more proactive protection of Nigerian cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacking and criminal interference.
The DIG also suggest the establishment of programs to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical assistance to build the capacity of allies. Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, commend the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ for the successful Press Week and praise journalists for their fair reportage on government activities.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, commend the DIG for the insightful lecture and assure that national peace and security will be prioritized across various media platforms. The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore, also urge members of society not to be discouraged from providing useful information to security operatives.
