Lawmaker tasks journalists to shun divisive reporting

By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

The committee chairman on Navy in the House of Representatives, Adamu Yusuf Gagdi, has called on journalists in the country to always take into cognisance the roles they play in nation building by been objective, neutral as well as balanced in their reportage of topical issues in the nation’s polity.

Hon. Gagdi stated this in Jos at the inaugural lecture and fund raising for the purchase of a vehicle for the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State Council.

Gagdi, who was the guest speaker at the event, called for the enactment of an appropriate legislation to protect journalists in line of duty.

He stressed the need for the Nigeria Union of Journalists to identify specific areas of need and amendment of existing laws to guarantee this.

Speaking on the topic ‘Insecurity and the quest for lasting peace in Nigeria; the role of the media,’ Gagdi said when the media is just and upright in carrying out its roles, rumours and animosity would disappear and a platform for constructive engagement on how to move the country forward would emerge.

Represented by a lecturer from the Plateau State Polytechnic, Mr Luka Panpe, Gagdi stressed the need for a complete overhaul of the philosophy to run media outfits, noting that this will require the review of procedures for issuing licenses for broadcast, improving welfare for journalists and proper financing and equipping of the media.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dan Manjang expressed the commitment of his administration to completing the renovation of the NUJ secretariat in the State.

He said government would continue to create an enabling environment for journalists to operate without let or hindrance.

Chairman of the occasion and a philanthropist, Mr Manji Gontori described the topic chosen as cardinal, considering the security challenges facing the country.

In his remarks, Chairman Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State, Mr Gyang Bere, called for the protection of journalists in the state for the society to be informed for evidence based decision.

He appealed for assistance for the purchase of a vehicle to enable them carry out their functions effectively.