Nigeria Urges Media to Fight Terrorists, Bandits

Nigeria's federal government is calling on journalists to actively combat terrorism and banditry through their reporting. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the media's crucial role in sensitizing the public and denying violent extremists the publicity they crave.

Speaking at the Arewa Media Summit in Kano, Idris highlighted that a thriving democracy depends on government transparency, responsible citizen participation, and professional, fair, and ethical media conduct. He noted the transformative power of the digital revolution, where every smartphone can be a broadcasting platform, but cautioned that this also accelerates the spread of fake news and disinformation that can undermine national unity and public trust.

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democracy thrives when government remains transparent, citizens participate responsibly, and the media performs its constitutional role with professionalism, fairness and integrity.

Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, who organized the summit, stated its aim was to strengthen dialogue between the government, citizens, and media through accountability and ethical communication. He emphasized the government's duty to provide timely, transparent information, while citizens must engage constructively. The media, he added, should act as a bridge, ensuring factual and balanced reporting. Abdulaziz also advised social media influencers to use their significant reach responsibly, verify information before publishing, and avoid divisive content, particularly with the 2027 general election approaching.

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Our message to aliens who vote in American elections is clear: we will find you, arrest you, and you will face the consequences, including criminal charges and deportation. Only Americans should be electing American leaders.