World Press Freedom Day: Malami Urges Journalists To Avoid Fake News

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has urged Nigerian Journalists to uphold the ethics and virtues of their profession, and shun fake news.

Malami, who made the call on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, also called on press men to guard against spreading fake news, misinformation and distorted facts, especially in this period of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, said Malami “salutes the courageous support and efforts of Nigerian journalists in upholding the rule of law, enhancing the fight against corruption and protecting the tenets of democratic principles in the country.”

According to the statement, the minister expressed appreciation of the media’s role in informing the citizens on the activities of government and holding it accountable in compliance with Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Malami, the statement noted, reiterated the commitment of the federal government to support the media by providing conducive atmosphere for “socially-responsible, independent press with unhindered right of access to information within the context of promotion of public interest.”