A group, the Bauchi Integrity and Credible Information Monitors (BICIM) has called on the media to adhere to editorial policies.
Chairman of the group Lawal Sani in a press release further called on the media not abandon these principles for sensational and often biased reporting that only serves to inflame tensions in the country.
The group expressed concern over the biased reporting of development issues, as well as a general decline in adherence to the ethics and etiquette of journalism.
“In particular, we have noticed a lack of honesty and professionalism in the Daily Trust newspaper’s coverage of the situation of education in Bauchi.
“The article titled “Bauchi: How Lack Of Teachers, Infrastructure Forced Primary Schools’ Closure, Turned Pupils To Farmers” published on October 19, 2023, attempted to review, rewrite and falsify facts and blame teacher shortages and school closures in State on the current administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.
“The BICIM believes that since the Daily Trust report painted a bleak picture on the prospects of education in Bauchi, it is crucial to approach such articles with a critical eye, considering historical context and precedents.
He said it is essential for the media to fulfill their role as the fourth estate of the realm, providing accurate and unbiased information to the public.
He said they have a responsibility to report on matters that affect the wellbeing of the people without succumbing to personal biases or sensationalism.
“Only through responsible journalism can we foster unity and understanding among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in our state and country.
“We call on the Federal Government to use its powers to call media operators to order in their reporting of situations across all the states in the country. We caution the Daily Trust to note that it is crucial that they eschew slanted reporting of events, particularly with a greater bias against a particular leader and political party, as witnessed in the recent article.
“We call on the proprietors of media outfits, as well as professional bodies such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors, and Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), to regulate themselves and abide by their own rules and etiquette regarding the dissemination and reportage of news,” he said.
