By Joyce Remi Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has charged media organizations to avoid partisan reporting and maintain professionalism, especially during this democratic period in the country.
Wike made this call on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Daar Communication Management Team .
He stressed the need for journalists to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and thorough fact-checking in their reportage, noting that misleading information often stems from inadequate research.
“The media must strive to be non-partisan in the discharge of its duties. Citizens deserve the best form of reporting, and that can only be achieved when facts are properly verified before publication.”
The minister decried the growing trend of speculative and unverified reporting, particularly on television and digital platforms, which he said often misleads the public and distorts reality.
Citing recent political developments, Wike referenced decisions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that a proper understanding of events would reveal that the electoral body acted within the ambit of the law.
According to him, many criticisms directed at INEC stem from a lack of full information, adding that political actors must take responsibility for internal issues rather than shifting blame to institutions or the judiciary.
“We politicians must learn to put our houses in order. When things go wrong, the tendency is to blame INEC, the judiciary, or the government in power, instead of addressing the root causes,” he said.
Wike recalled legal disputes within political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he said court rulings are sometimes ignored or misrepresented in public discourse.
He emphasised the importance of respecting decisions of competent courts, warning that disregard for judicial pronouncements could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
Speaking on the role of the opposition, Wike noted that politics naturally involves competition, where parties exploit each other’s weaknesses within legal boundaries, rather than offering assistance to rivals.
“If there are loopholes, the opposition will take advantage of them—that is the nature of politics. But all actions must still align with due process and the rule of law,” he stated.
The Minister also cautioned against sensationalism and misinterpretation of statements made during interviews, recalling a recent incident where his remarks were taken out of context despite clarifications that they were figurative.
He urged journalists to remain objective and avoid being used as tools by disgruntled political actors, stressing that inaccurate reporting could have consequences.
Wike also decried the rise of misinformation on social media, citing a false report that he had resigned to contest for another position, allegedly supported by a forged signature.
He called for greater responsibility among media practitioners and content creators, noting that accurate information dissemination is essential for public trust and national stability.
Reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process, he expressed optimism that the system would continue to improve if both the media and political actors adhere to ethical standards, accountability, and the rule of law.
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