The Kaduna state Commissioner for
Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan has said the fight against banditry and terrorism in the state must be won by the government.
Mr Aruwan expresses optimism that the government would emerge victorious in the war on the occassion of a Seminar/Award programme organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents’ Chapel, Kaduna state, themed: Tackling Security challenges; The role of Media”, held in Kaduna.
He disclosed that the challenge and the toll of the insecurity faced in the state is no a secret.
Aruwan who is the Chairman of the occasion, therefore, tasked journalists to always work within the ethics of the profession, noting, it has a big role towards helping the efforts of the government in the fight, and building the society.
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He added that Journalists must engage in responsible journalism, and not only re-publish press releases, or spread random broadcasts on social media, but truly concerned with a balanced and truthful account of events.
According to the Security Commissioner, “As it is often said, information is power. An individual’s power to act is limited to the information he is exposed to. As such, the impact of perception on public discourse is huge, and those perceptions are shaped by the media.
“The power of the media is like two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, independent and pluralistic media provides a platform for healthy debate and sharing of opinions. On the other hand, media can be grossly misused and abused for the purposes of propaganda, to incite hatred, spread rumours and divisive narratives and therefore create tensions. It has become even more pervasive in recent times with technologies like the internet, social media and instant messaging.
“Journalists must eschew judgmental representations and describe reality without exaggeration and sensationalism.
“In the era of the internet, this has become more difficult as every blog and website wants to generate as many clicks as possible.
“This need for responsibility has extended beyond traditional media into the social media space. Social media platforms are charged atmospheres.
“I believe that at this critical stage of our national development, it is time for the media to unite our people with a shared hope and a shared vision. No more bickering and bitterness. We can and will become a thriving community that celebrates its diversity as its most compelling reason to come together” he said.
In his opening remark, the Ag. Chairman of the Correspondents’ chapel, Mr. Moses Kolo said, “there is no doubt the state and indeed, Nation is going through its most difficult phase, saying, the war can be won by collective efforts.
“As Journalists and watchdogs of the society, let us cooperate with security agencies to douse the fears of the masses and build confidence in the people.
“I wish to urge esteemed colleagues to as much as possible, de-escalate unconfirmed reports, especially on attacks and other forms of insurgency. This is necessary because such reports only give the perpetrators of these dastardly acts undue prominence and a sense of superiority when they are always and in fact on a daily basis making the headlines”.
