False Media Report: MNCC Ruling’ll Be Benchmark for Journalistic Excellence – FG

The Federal Government has expressed the hope that the report of the media ombudsman, the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), on its petition against Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers, will serve as a benchmark for journalistic excellence in the country.

The Federal Government had petitioned NMCC against the Daily Trust report on the Samoa Agreement it earlier signed with some other countries, and said it was misleading.

The ombudsman agreed that the report was inaccurate, and not in line with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists. Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in a statement yesterday by his special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the ruling was a testament to the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability.

Alhaji Idris added that the ruling was a reminder of the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception through truthful and accurate reporting.

“The public expects that news outlets will adhere strictly to professional ethics and conduct by ensuring that their reportage is factual, fair, and balanced. “This way, injurious reporting such as the one done by Daily Trust could be effectively avoided,” he said.

The minister stated that the Federal Government recognises that a free press is a pillar of democracy, but added that such “freedom comes with the responsibility to report news in a manner that is accurate and devoid of misinformation. “It is only through this commitment to truth that the media can effectively hold the government and institutions accountable.”

He appreciated the recommendations made by the NMCC, including the directive to Daily Trust to issue a public apology for its false report on the Samoa Agreement and take measures to prevent future occurrence.

He said: “The call for increased transparency and proactive information dissemination by Federal Government institutions is duly noted, and steps will be taken to ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about matters of public interest.”