DOMESTICATE FOI BILL TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS — PROF OBIARAERI

Reporter : CHIKA EWURUM

A university lecturer, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, has called for the domistication of Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill in all states of the federation.

This he said would help in the fight against the spread of fake news in Nigeria.

Professor Obiaraeri made this known in a forum in Owerri.

Speaking on the topic “The Dangers of Fake News to the Society,” the Professor, who was a former Commissioner for Information Imo State, noted that the bill would make information accessible for media practitioners and reduce the spread of fake news.

The former Commissioner, who frowned that the internet is the major tool used in the dissemination of fake news, advised journalists to be conversant with their code of conduct.

He further advised journalists to do their job with decorum having the unity and peaceful coexistence of the society in mind.

Also, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Imo State Council, Comrade Chris Akaraonye commended the organizers of the programme and called for more of such.

He noted that NUJ Imo State Council had been sensitizing its members to the evil of fake news and appealed to newspaper publishers to join in the campaign against fake news.

Chief Akaraonye advised journalists to always verify their information before publication to avoid crisis, which would affect all.

The Imo State NUJ Chairman further advised journalists to apply wisdom and diplomacy in their reportage and drop inciting news statements.