By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh, has criticized Nigerians and the media for fueling disparaging remarks against leaders, warning that such actions negatively impact the country’s global image.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo, Esuh, a Professor of Corporate Communication, Marketing, and Applied Rhetorics, expressed concern over the widespread use of social media to denigrate leaders without considering the far-reaching consequences.
“I am worried about how we, as Nigerians, react to issues. Traditional media have mechanisms for protecting a country’s image. However, with social media, people post anything without thinking about the impact. The rate at which we disparage our leaders is alarming and has damaged Nigeria’s international reputation,” he stated.
Esuh emphasized that social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are global, cautioning against reckless online commentary.
“Many do not realize that what they post online is not confined to Nigeria but reaches the entire world. These platforms have fully actualized the concept of a global village,” he added.
Citing recent events, Esuh condemned the way influencers, bloggers, TV commentators, and even mainstream journalists handled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation to former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel. He expressed concern over media sensationalism and the failure to verify facts before publishing reports.
“It is regrettable that journalists, including those in mainstream media, failed to verify details from the EFCC’s website before reporting the former governor’s alleged arrest. Even reputable outlets misrepresented an invitation as an arrest,” he noted.
He questioned how many journalists take the time to fact-check official EFCC reports, emphasizing that misinformation not only misleads the public but also damages the credibility of the Nigerian media.
“If the EFCC website contained no report of Udom Emmanuel’s arrest, that alone should have been a red flag. Yet, people quickly spread false claims while he was, in reality, at home,” Esuh explained.
He warned that such recklessness undermines journalism as a profession, stressing the need for discipline and proper training.
Esuh also criticized the media’s handling of the recent sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He argued that the media failed to distinguish between a sexual advance and harassment, pointing out that harassment, by definition, involves persistent and unwelcome advances.
“The media misrepresented the issue, misleading the public and distorting reality. This lack of professional rigor in reporting sensitive matters is deeply concerning,” he stated.
He further warned that shaping narratives based on public sentiment rather than factual accuracy erodes journalistic integrity.
Esuh urged the media to prioritize responsible reporting, stressing the need for fact-based journalism over sensationalism to safeguard Nigeria’s dignity and credibility in global discourse.
“The indiscriminate spread of misinformation damages our country’s reputation. Journalists must be adequately informed to ensure accuracy in framing issues rather than sensationalizing claims,” he concluded.
