Akpabio calls for ethical Journalism, warns against fake news

Senate President Dr. Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerian journalists to prioritise responsible and ethical reporting, cautioning against the destructive impact of misinformation. He made this call on Saturday during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja.

In his keynote address, titled “Voices, Vision, and the Vigilance of Truth: The Role of the Legislature and the Press in Nation Building,” Akpabio highlighted that access to accurate information is fundamental to a functioning democracy. “A nation without information is like a blindfolded captain,” he said. “Citizens who are denied access to information cannot hold their leaders accountable.”

Speaking on the event’s theme, “The Legislature, Right to Information, and the Challenges of Nation Building in Nigeria,” Akpabio described the legislature as the “microphone of the people,” where public concerns are channelled into policies and laws. He stressed that the right to information is not a luxury but a basic human right, describing it as “the oxygen that keeps democracy breathing.”

Akpabio called for national unity in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, urging citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He praised journalists as “guardians of memory and interpreters of meaning,” encouraging them to uphold truth, maintain ethical standards, and remain vigilant against quackery.

“Democracy is deepened not by ballots alone, but by dialogue,” he concluded, encouraging the media to nurture open and constructive conversations that promote national development.

Earlier in his address, NUJ President, Comrade Hassan Yahya Abdullahi, reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to ethical journalism, press freedom, and accountability in governance. He noted that World Press Freedom Day not only commemorates the principles of free speech but also honours the courage of journalists who face intimidation, threats, and imprisonment in the line of duty.

Abdullahi advocated for improved safety and welfare for journalists across the country and applauded the federal government’s pledge to uphold press freedom. However, he stressed that such promises must be backed by meaningful actions.

Award Highlights

The occasion also featured the NUJ’s prestigious annual awards, recognising individuals and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to governance, transparency, and press freedom:

• Arc. Sunny S.T. Echono – Good Governance Award (Pacesetter Leadership)

• Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Good Governance Award (Legislative Transformation)

• Dr Emem Omokaro – Good Governance Award (Innovative Leadership)

• NNPC Ltd.—Good Governance Award (Energy Efficiency & Sustainability)

• Julius Berger Nigeria Plc—Construction Company of the Year

• National Bureau of Statistics – Good Governance Award (Transparency)

Torchbearers of Press Freedom

• Idibia Gabriel

• Matthew Ochei

• Jide Oyekunle

• Lucy Ezeliora

• Ibrahim Ayyuba Isah

• Ibrahim Isha

Defender of Press Freedom Award

• Chief Henry Akunebu SAN

Good Governance Award (Education)

• H.E. Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Governor of Kebbi State