A foremost right and accountability organization, Accountability Hub, has issued strong warnings to journalist Fisayo Soyombo, stating that it will no longer be business as usual for those who use their social media influence to defame individuals and institutions under the guise of journalism.
The organization reacting, condemned Soyombo’s recent tweet on X, branding Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as “despotic,” describing it as reckless cyber harassment rather than responsible journalism.
According to Accountability Hub, while journalists have a duty to hold public officials accountable, such engagements must be based on truth, fairness, and professional ethics, not malicious attacks intended to incite public outrage.
The organization stated, “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to defame. We are in an era where reckless use of social media influence to bully and malign individuals must be confronted. The days of unchecked cyber harassment are over.”
They further warned against the increasing trend of using media platforms to spread misleading narratives, stressing that accountability must apply to both public officials and those who claim to hold them to account.
“As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, we call for a shift towards ethical journalism, one deeply rooted in facts, not propaganda or personal vendettas.” It added.
