The independent Corrupt Practice and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged online Journalists in Nigeria to avoid sensational news and reportage in Fighting corruption.
The Kano state resident Commissioner of the ICPC Barrister Ibrahim Abubakar Kagara disclosed this at a one-day training for Online Journalist on effective reportage of ICPC’s operations and initiatives held in Kano on Wednesday.
Kagara represented by Abubakar Jibrin said the training is aimed at engaging as well as sensitize journalist on the activities of ICPC and to partners with journalist in fighting corruption from the grass root.
READ ALSO: Budget Tracking: NGO Solicits ICPC’s Intervention
“We expect online journalist to be follow ethical standard and avoid sensational journalism in our activities or on issues regarding fighting corruption so that we will be on the same page and move the nation forward from the daring consciences of corruption on Nigerians,” he said.
In a paper presentation, an assistant commissioner at the ICPC Hassan Hashimu said the recent happenings in the country journalist need to be abreast in reporting development issues that will promote the image of the country globally, rather than reporting activities of insurgency.
He said the agency found it necessary to partner with the online journalist so that they will be acquaint with the requisites of reporting the activities of ICPC objectively.
He Charged the online journalist to always maintain the ethics of the journalism profession, and should not deviate from fair and just reportages for the development of the Nation.
“Corrupt practices and other related offences manifest in our working place through fraud, embezzlement of public properties, inflation of contracts, sexual harassment, forgery, bribery, nepotism and other vices,” he said.
In his well come address, the Chairman of the Association of Online Journalist (ASKOJ) Yakubu Salisu Commended ICPC for organizing the training for the online journalist.
He noted that Association was established in 2020 with the sole aim of bringing the online journalist together to achieve the set objectives.
“The association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) was established in the year 2020 with sole aims of bringing together, professional online journalists in the state under one umbrella for coordination,” he said.
“It aim is to checkmate activities of quacks online by upholding the journalistic code of ethics of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability,” said Yakubu.
READ ALSO: Court Restrains EFCC, CCB, ICPC From Investigating, Arresting Muhuyi Rimin-gado, KSPCC
According to the chairman, “as members of the fourth realm, the public depend if not solely, but to a large extend on us for timely and accurate dissemination of information about government, governance, polices and other relevant matters that concerns their lives and livelihood.”
He then urged each participant present to listen attentively and contribute his or her best towards dissemination of accurate information for public good.