THE Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have expressed deep concern over the growing menace of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, warning that these trends pose significant threats to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and democracy.
They spoke on Wednesday at the third Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture in Lagos, themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa, Governor Mohammed said the digital revolution has created both opportunity and danger.
“Social media has democratised speech but also diluted truth. The digital age has opened the floodgates of information and misinformation,” he said.
He likened the current threat to freedom and fact to the era of colonial and military press suppression, adding that editorial integrity was now under siege from moneyed political and corporate interests.
He called on the media to reclaim its watchdog role by demanding rule of law, credible leadership, civic education, and national reconciliation.
“The moment a society begins to ignore judicial decisions, it is on the path to lawlessness… No nation can survive selective justice.”
He further proposed a Truth and Reconciliation Summit, led in part by the media, to address historic grievances and promote healing.
Represented by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Minister Idris lamented the rise of untrained “citizen journalists” who exploit internet access to spread falsehoods.
“Many people call themselves journalists simply because they have smartphones. They muddy the waters with misinformation,” he said.
Citing a recent false report involving Mohammed Babangida, son of former military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, the minister cautioned that unverified content shared on social media platforms could incite unrest.
“One day, with our pens, we may set the country on fire,” he warned. “There are rules. Verify information. Don’t retweet or reprint lies.”
Several media veterans and scholars also spoke passionately about the role of the press in safeguarding democracy.
Femi Adesina, former presidential spokesman, reminded journalists of their activist roots:
“Nigeria’s media was born into activism, and it must remain activist. If we must build a reconciled Nigeria, we must drop petty sentiments of religion and ethnicity.”
Prof. Lai Olurode, a former INEC commissioner, stressed that leadership failure, not ethnic divisions, is Nigeria’s real problem.
“No leader, dead or alive, has matched Jakande’s achievements in four years.”
Mr. Emeka Izeze, ex-MD of The Guardian, warned against media co-option by politicians:
“Journalists have become too respectful, too attached to public officials. When journalism fails, the nation fails.”
Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former NGE president, described many online content creators as “hackers, not professionals”, calling for deliberate in-house training and ethics reinforcement.
“We must rescue the pen from irresponsibility,” she urged.
In a compelling intervention, Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director of The PUNCH, said that without financial sustainability, Nigerian media may collapse under the weight of global tech platforms.
“We beat the military with the pen, but we are struggling to survive Google and Facebook,” he said.
“The media is under existential threat. If our leaders want us to help with nation-building, they must also support us.”
He advocated for direct and indirect subsidies, including tax incentives and support for content creation, similar to those provided in France, China, and North America.
All speakers paid glowing tributes to Alhaji Lateef Jakande, hailing him as a visionary journalist and selfless leader.
Described as a humble administrator and one of the most impactful governors in Nigerian history, Jakande’s legacy was celebrated as an example of journalism turned into servant leadership.
“He governed wisely, lived simply, and died with dignity,” said one speaker.