Gov. Yahya Bello of Kogi's Special Advisor on Information and Communications, Dr Gabriel Ottah, has encouraged distributors of false information to stop doing so and instead concentrate on spreading messages about progress.
On Friday, Ottah delivered the cautionary speech at the opening of the Department of Mass Communications' first Public Lecture Series at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) Anyigba.
Ottah, the guest lecturer, claimed that false news was primarily produced by amateur reporters who had just a cursory understanding of professional reporting.
The governor's adviser cited pertinent instances to demonstrate how social media had been misused by those who disseminated false information for their own gain.
He claimed that although professional journalists took into account both the positive and bad effects of articles before publishing them, citizen journalists had no respect for social responsibility while disseminating information.
The educationalist provided instances of how using citizen journalism to report on crimes and accidents or enhancing traditional media could help to advance development.
The don regretted that because citizen journalism had given Nigeria's democracy a difficult time, its negative effects were more worrying.
”Of a particular example was the rumour that President Muhammadu Buhari was dead and that his look-alike, Jibril, from Sudan, was the one ruling Nigeria on contract.
”As the 2023 elections were near, if fake news were not discouraged, it could cast Nigeria into chaos,” he said.
The media scholar and public speaker, therefore recommended that citizens should exhibit self-regulation in posting information on social media.
He urged the government to sanction vendors of fake news without shutting down the medium of communication, adding that scholars should carry out more research on the impact of citizen journalism.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, thanked the Department of Mass Communications for taking the bold step of organizing public lecture series.
The VC used the occasion to highlight the success stories of the University, especially in the area of full accreditation of some courses.
Tenuche said the Guest Lecturer, Dr Gabriel Ottah, had exhibited hard work and commitment to duties, a thing that had made it possible for him to have the opportunity for the lecture.
On his part, the Head of the Department of Mass Communications, Dr Chris Attah, said the Public Lecture Series was a step in the right direction, adding that other academics would follow Dr Ottah in such presentations.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr David Apeh, described Dr Ottah as a great scholar “who has demystified the topic for the layman to understand”.
He urged the guest lecturer to keep up his contribution to the body of knowledge.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Dr Usman Baba, commended the Guest Lecturer for his “highly educative lecture at this critical time in Nigeria’s democracy”.
Also, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah, Dr Nuhu Solomon Anyegwu, said the position of the guest lecturer should be taken seriously.
Anyegwu said fake news had the capability to destabilise Nigeria, and if not tamed, could lead to more dangerous situations.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a TV set and a public address system to the Department by the Guest Lecturer.
NAN reports that the first Public Lecture series of the department was attended by public and political officials, particularly the Special Advisers. (NAN)