Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Sokoto State, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, has called on journalists across Nigeria to uphold professionalism and ethical standards by verifying information before publication, warning that false casualty figures and unconfirmed security reports could fuel panic and endanger national stability.
Mohammed made the call while receiving the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, during a courtesy visit led by the Chapel Chairman, Ankeli Emmanuel.
The DSS Director described the media as a strategic partner in nation building, peace promotion and national security, stressing that collaboration between journalists and security agencies remained critical to addressing Nigeria’s security and socio political challenges.
“The media is a critical stakeholder not only in the dissemination of information but also in promoting peace, stability and national cohesion through responsible reportage,” he said.
He cautioned journalists against publishing unverified casualty figures or speculative security reports, noting that inaccurate information could heighten tension, create fear among citizens and erode public trust in institutions.
According to him, “Members of the pen profession should always adhere to the ethics of responsive and developmental journalism by ensuring that information meant for public consumption is properly verified from authentic sources before going to press.”
Mohammed further assured media practitioners of the DSS’ commitment to sustaining cordial relations with journalists in the interest of national peace, unity and development.
“We are all working for the overall good of the country. The DSS will continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the media because of the important role journalists play in shaping public opinion and preserving national unity,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Ankeli Emmanuel, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the media and the DSS while exploring additional areas of cooperation for the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He described the media as an indispensable institution in democratic governance and national development.
“The media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, remains a vital partner in the quest for a vibrant, peaceful and developed nation,” Emmanuel stated.
He also urged journalists to remain patriotic and professional in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that Nigeria’s image at both local and international levels should be protected through ethical journalism.
“Our national reputation should matter to every journalist in Nigeria. This is why practitioners must remain committed to ethical journalism and responsible reporting at all times,” he said.
Other executives of the Correspondents’ Chapel who accompanied the chairman on the visit included Vice Chairman, Adamu Suleiman of The Nation Newspaper; Secretary, Musa Ubandawaki of Vanguard Newspaper; Assistant Secretary, Olakunle Maruf of Tribune Newspaper; Treasurer, Umar Danladi Ado of Triumph Newspaper; and Auditor, Shafa’atu Suleiman of The Sun Newspaper.
