Stop Glorifying Bandit’s, Insurgence, Other Criminals, NUJ To Journalists
From Muhammad Kabir, Kano
The Nigeria Union of Journalist’s, NUJ, has rose from its National Executive Council NEC, Meeting, calling on the Nigeria Journalists to works extra miles in depending the integrity of the Country by stop glorifying Bandits, Insurgence and other Criminals in their day to day reportage.
The NUJ in a Communique drafted after the meeting that was attended by the National Chairman Alhassan and other States Executives, called on journalists and media organisations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting terrorism, banditry, insurgency and other forms of insecurity across the country.
The meeting that was held in Dutse Jigawa State, further asked Journalists to avoid sensationalism, the glorification of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, and the undue prominence of their activities in ways that could amplify propaganda, facilitate recruitment or enhance the public profile of criminal groups.
NEC reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to ethical journalism and emphasised the importance of accurate, balanced and responsible reporting that serves the public interest while taking into consideration national security and the safety of journalists.
Commenting on Arewa, they said,
In view of the prevailing security challenges confronting the Northern region, NEC endorsed the proposed Northern States Security Summit to be hosted by Zamfara State.
The Union considers the summit an important platform for bringing together relevant stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable strategies for addressing insecurity and enhancing the protection of journalists, media organisations and the wider society.
They urged all NUJ NEC members to participate actively in the summit.
The National Executive Council commended various security agencies in the country, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for their continued partnership, cooperation and support towards promoting the safety and security of journalists and members of the media community.
NEC urged the security agencies to sustain and deepen this partnership, particularly in view of the increasing security challenges confronting journalists in the course of carrying out their professional responsibilities.
