Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has called on journalists in Nigeria to demonstrate awareness of the sensibilities and sensitiveness of society, reminding them that progress and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom of expression.
Prof. Osinbajo expressed the view on Friday in Lagos at an afternoon of tributes, organized by the Nigerian Press Organization, NPO, and the Broadcasting Organization, BON, to honour nine prominent media practitioners who died in the last 15 months.
Among those honoured were the former governor of Lagos State, the late Lateef Jakande; the former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh; the former Executive Director, Voice of Nigeria, VON, the late Mr. Ben Egbuna; and the former President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, the late Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua.
Vice President Osinbajo advised those who work as gatekeepers in media organizations to ensure that what they publish or broadcast to their audience does not cause anarchy.
“Among the powers of the press is the ability to amplify and drown out voices.
“Media practitioners have a responsibility to exercise discernment in the deployment of their platforms.
“In this regard, we must ask ourselves whether we are empowering and amplifying the most insensate, intemperate and incendiary voices in our midst while marginalizing the voices of reason.
“Of course, the most dramatic voices are those voices that are calling for nihilism in one shape or the other.
“It is true that freedom of expression is enshrined in our constitution, but we all agree that society, progress and order depend upon the responsible exercise of freedom of expression and other freedoms otherwise the end result will be anarchy.”
Mortal Foes
The Vice President said that even though the media and government may, at times, appear as mortal foes, “the occasionally turbulent nature of our relationship is, in my view, part of the natural creative tension between our institutions arising from our differing mandates.
“Those of us who govern must do so with the understanding that power is a public trust and it is your calling as journalists to invigilate us and hold us accountable.
“I urge you to do so relentlessly, fairly and unapologetically. When we are both true to our respective callings, our democracy is strengthened.”
According to Osinbajo the reason why the media is described as the fourth estate of the realm is because in terms of the sheer ability to influence hearts and minds and direct the public imagination, no other institution comes close to the power of the media.
“You can shape how people think and you can interpret reality in a way that animates our most constructive public-spirited instincts or in a way that summons our darkest and most destructive impulses.
“You have the power to elevate public debate in a way that no other institution can.
“It is said that journalism is the first rough draft of history.
“It is true that reportage shapes the perception and understanding of events.
“It shapes memories and because of all these, it can influence behaviour.
“There are arguably no bigger influencers than those who report and interpret the world to us.
“This is considerable power and it comes with responsibility.”
Defining Moment
Prof. Osinbajo said that the world is at another defining moment in the history of the media with advancement in media technology.
He pointed out that the age at which the dissemination of information was the preserve of states and corporations has been challenged by the democratization of the media environment with technology.
“The very meaning of the term ‘media owner’ has changed and no longer refers to people with your profile.
“In this era of citizen journalism, everyone now has a voice whether through blogs, websites, online publications and podcasts.
“The democratization of information unleashed by the information age has also introduced related risks with implications for economic and sociopolitical stability.
“Individuals and private interests now control means of information dissemination that were once the exclusive preserve of corporations and governments who we could easily hold to account.
“These capabilities are increasingly used in all sorts of malign ways by those that harbour ill-intent.
“Fake news is being trafficked on a scale that is capable of warping the perception of reality by huge numbers of people and inducing social conflict.”
He enjoined the media leaders to use the considerable influence they have to seek ways of achieving a consensus on the responsible use of social media.
Period of Turbulence
Prof. Osinbajo said that the present developments in the media space converge with a period of turbulence in Nigeria, and appealed to journalists to work towards ensuring that peace is restored in the country.
“There is really no question at all that matters what should occupy our minds today is, are we building up our country or are we tearing her down?
“This is a question that we must ask ourselves in every sphere of endeavour.
“It is the plumb line with which history will judge our generation because there is really only one divide at this point.
“It is the line between those who are committed to constructive action and those who are pursuing a destructive course.
“Our country is not perfect and we all know this. But the cure for her imperfections is most certainly not destruction nor a heedless descent into anarchy being promoted by some voices.
“We all have a share in the much-needed work of rebuilding, redesigning, reforming and healing our nation.
“Creating commonality of purpose in ethnically and culturally diverse societies is challenging the world over.
“However, nation-building is not the sole preserve of politicians and governments; in fact, it is just as much a task for civil society of which the media is an important member.”
In his tribute to the departed Journalists in whose memories the event was held, Prof. Osinbajo described them as “Remarkable and outstanding – giants of their craft in every right,” adding that “their exit leaves a significant vacuum.”
He acknowledged the contributions they made in the nationalist struggle for independence, the courage they exhibited in holding political leaders to account and the efforts they made in restoring democracy in Nigeria
Welcoming the guests, the President, NPAN, Mallam Kabir Yusuf said each of the nine departed journalists lived impactful life, which has continued to influence the media profession.
PIAK
