ASABA, Nigeria – Media practitioners in Delta State have been cautioned against the rising spread of defamatory remarks within the political arena as elections draw nearer, a state official warned over the weekend.
The warning was issued by Mr Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, who was represented by the Director of New Media, Mr Timothy Agbaragu, during the fourth anniversary of the Hill Nigeria Media and capacity-building training for media personnel held in Asaba.
Aniagwu criticized what he described as an increasing pattern of misinformation, unfounded accusations, and personal attacks among political players, stressing that such behavior not only weakens democratic principles but also endangers peace and erodes public confidence in the electoral process.
The commissioner noted that the warning comes at a time of intensified political activities and growing tension ahead of the elections. He raised concerns that if defamatory content is left unchecked, it could incite conflict or mislead the electorate.
Aniagwu called on politicians, their supporters, and media professionals to ensure all information is properly verified before dissemination and to focus on issue-based campaigns instead of resorting to personal attacks. He urged journalists to uphold professionalism by providing accurate, factual, and credible reports.
The training, which aimed at strengthening professionalism among media practitioners, attracted journalists and media stakeholders from across the country and focused on promoting credible and responsible reportage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing participants, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIDEL, Agbor, Professor Patrick Ijeh, and Dr Blessing Umunnah, Senior Lecturer and Sub Dean in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Federal University Otuoke, urged journalists to remain committed to truth and uphold the ethics of the profession despite external pressures. They highlighted key areas including fact-checking, conflict-sensitive reporting, and combating misinformation.
In her remarks, the organizer of the programme, Mrs Christy Aboghe, emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democratic values, noting that as the election period approaches, there is a growing need for accuracy, balance, and ethical standards in reportage.
The chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Mayor Chinedu Enujeko, commended the host for her dedication and vision. Some participants described the training as timely and impactful, adding that it had equipped them with modern tools to navigate the evolving media landscape.
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages and a renewed call for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure credible and peaceful electoral processes in 2027.
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