A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bayo Balogun, has cautioned journalists against sensational reporting that could inflame tensions and destabilise society, urging the media to uphold responsibility and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Balogun, who represents Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency, gave the warning while hosting media executives to an Iftar (breaking of fast), where he emphasised the enormous influence of the media in shaping public perception and maintaining social harmony.
The federal lawmaker noted that the media as an institution commands great respect and authority, stressing that its reputation depends largely on how practitioners handle and present information to the public.
According to him, many Nigerians rely heavily on news reports, often accepting them without question, a reality he said places a significant burden on journalists to ensure that their reports are factual, balanced and not capable of provoking unrest.
Reflecting on the EndSARS protests, Balogun observed that the crisis was partly fuelled by the rapid spread of narratives and information across various media platforms.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters also expressed concern over the growing use of technology and Artificial Intelligence in the dissemination of information, warning that the rise of AI-generated and digitally altered content could make it more difficult to verify the authenticity of certain materials.
He therefore urged journalists to strengthen their fact-checking mechanisms to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Balogun also criticised some Civil Society Organisations, accusing them of stoking public anger against the government rather than encouraging constructive dialogue on national issues.
While acknowledging the importance of civic advocacy, he called on such groups to exercise restraint and ensure their actions do not mislead the public or escalate tensions.
He urged both the media and civil society actors to play constructive roles in promoting peace, unity and national development through responsible communication and engagement.
