The Federal Government has commended the National Media Complaints Commission, the Nigerian media Ombudsman, for its impartial and thorough investigation, which found Daily Trust’s report on the Samoa Agreement to be inaccurate, misleading, and not in line with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the agreement is a partnership agreement and a vital legal framework for cooperation between the EU and its member states, on the one hand, and members of OACPS on the other.
The priorities include human rights, democracy and governance; peace and security; human and social development; inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development; environmental sustainability and climate change; and mobility/migration
No Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer clause in the agreement.
According to the government, the ruling serves as a testament to the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability and also a reminder of the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception through truthful and accurate reporting.
The statement partly read, “The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced. This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided.
“The Federal Government recognises that a free press is a pillar of democracy but with this freedom comes the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation. It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable.
“The Federal Government appreciates the recommendations made by the NMCC, including the directive to Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its false report on the Samoa Agreement and take measures to prevent future occurrence.”
While noting that the call for increased transparency and proactive information dissemination by Federal Government institutions is imperative, the statement added that steps will be taken to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about matters of public interest.
“The Federal Government is committed to fostering an environment where the media thrives while also remaining accountable to the ethical standards of the profession. We call on all media organizations to continue to uphold these standards and work collaboratively in the dissemination of accurate information, which is essential for a well-informed and active citizenry.
“Let this ruling by the National Media Complaints Commission against Daily Trust serve as a benchmark for journalistic excellence, and also strengthen the bonds between the media, the government, and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
