Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has reiterated his administration’s would work with journalists, as partners and critical allies to entrench transparency, accountability and openness in governance in the state.
In his goodwill message to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on 3rd of May every year, Governor Yahaya advised journalists to guard against fake news and misinformation as well as ensure accurate and balanced reportage of events and activities.
He made reference to the theme of this year’s celebration, “Journalism under digital siege,” saying it underscores the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the security of journalists and access to information.
The Gombe State Governor encouraged the journalists to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties and avoid being used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians and mischief makers, to cause distress and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
He said as watchdogs of the society and voice of the people, journalists should continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by promoting the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, peace and unity, and update the general public on developments around the world.
He gave them the assurance of his continuous support of free access to information for them to carry out their functions in a safe and secure atmosphere.
Lateefah Ibrahim
