Censor social media to tackle fake news, Niger gov urges FG
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has called on the Federal Government to censor the contents of the social media platforms in Nigeria saying that they are being abused.
Bago said this will checkmate the spread of fake news in the country while promoting objective reportage by practitioners of conventional journalism.
He made this known on Thursday during his decoration as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Niger State Council.
The governor became the latest politician to call for regulated social media after President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, called for social media regulation.
The NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, who also presented the governor with a certificate, said the honour was in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities.
Bago described the role of journalism as vital to the development of any society stressing that journalists have helped in shaping democracy in Nigeria through their reportage.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, journalists should carry out their duties as watchdogs of the society and ensure the objectivity in their reports.
“I call for the introduction of censorship on social media contents to checkmate the spread of fake news and hate speeches,” he said.
The governor lauded the NUJ for finding him worthy of the award, noting that it has set a benchmark for him to do more. He affirmed that his administration will not rest on its oars in its quest to transform Niger State.
Isiguzo disclosed that the conferment on the Governor followed his transformative and developmental strides in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, good governance and education among others.
