Lawmaker Charges Media On National Dialogue, Accountability

The media has been called upon to maintain ethical standards, responsible report of events and promote dialogue and understanding to pave way for the restoration of peace and stability in Imo state and Nigeria in general.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chike Okafor made the call in a lecture entitled, “Insecurity: The Role of the Media” delivered at the 2023 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council.
Hon Okafor pointed out a study done in 2011 which marshalled out selective reporting of prejudicial stereotypes about groups and individuals and reporting inter-group conflicts out of context as activities which the media ought to refrain from to avoid exacerbating insecurity.

Okafor who represents Okigwe south federal constituency listed other activities which the media must shun to include shallow and episodic coverage, total blackout on some groups, individuals or communities as well as the use of inflammatory, misleading and sensational headlines to attract sales.