Anti-Corruption: Media Managers Urge Journalists To Uphold Tenets of Profession
Speakers at a media roundtable on Anti-Corruption have urged journalists to uphold the tenet of the profession in the discharge of constitutional responsibilities.
The trio of Theophilus Abbah, Musikilu Mojeed and Dayo Ayetan, all senior media managers, made the call at a forum organized by the United States Embassy to mark the anti-corruption day in Abuja.
The journalists spoke on Anti-Corruption and the Role of the Media.
Musikilu, the Editor-in-chief of Premium Times, while explaining the role of journalists said “section 22 of the 1999 as amended empowered the media to hold the government accountable to the people and at all time and as well be vigilant. “
He noted that when the media plays the watch-dog function, it also saves lives.
On his part,Abbah, a former editor of Daily Trust, said lack of institutional support is the major factor affecting journalism practice in the country.
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“I believe that from the presidency to the National Assembly to the ordinary Nigerians we need to stand against corruption, adding that in theory governments are ready to fight corruption but in practical they are not”
Mr Ayetan, who is the Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, pointed out the high level corruption involved in the bail of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former…
“He said all the documents the senator of the federal Republic of Nigeria, senator Ndume tendered in court as surety for Maina where forged. “
Reacting to some of the vital issues raised by the discussants, a reporter with TVC said the issue of objectivity is a herculean task because of ownership influence on the editorial policy.
She said most time the reporters are compelled to do the bidding of their proprietors, which may be against against the ethics of the profession.
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Rafat salami of the Voice of Nigeria, advised journalists to take their stories to other media organizations if they do not conformed to the editorial policy of their media organization.
“There are many media organizations out there looking for such stories to published,” she said.
