By Adebayo Adenrele
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigative Department, FCID, Federal Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Abiodun Alabi, has called on journalists nationwide to refrain from sensational news that might trigger security threat.
Alabi, who also doubles as the coordinating DIG of the South West Geo-political Zone, made this plea on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital, during the 2024 Press Week public lecture organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council.
In his presentation, titled “The Role of Media in Promoting National Peace and Security,” he highlighted the need for media to place premium on news that fosters national peace and security, noting that exaggerated security threats can instill fear among residents.
The DIG also solicited for programs to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical assistance to enhance allies’ capacity.
His words, “There should be responsible reportage by virtue of accuracy. It should be balanced and unbiased in order to avoid tensions
“Journalists should avoid sensationalism and emotive language, dialogue platforms that may trigger security lapses.
“Stop giving oxygen to insurgents, stop giving them unnecessary promotions In doing this, you will continue to assist them to achieve their aims of truncating the peace of the nation.
“There should be a more proactive protection of Nigerian cyberspace and electronic infrastructure from hacking and criminal interference
“There should be establishment of programs to prevent terrorists from financing their operations, including technical tasks assistance to build the capacity of allies”.
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji commended the state council for the successful Press Week.
Oyebanji, represented by his special adviser on media, Yinka Oyebode, praised journalists for fair reporting on government activities and pledged further collaboration in the realisation of his shared prosperity agenda.
In her remark, the NUJ Vice President, B-Zone, Ronke Samo urged the government and security agencies to be functional, while also soliciting for free flow of information without any interference.
The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi commended the DIG for the delightful lecture, while giving assurance to prioritize national peace and security on various platforms.
The Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba Adegbenro Falore also discouraged the public from withholding sensitive information from security personnel, emphasizing its crucial role in combating security threats.