Avoid Spreading Fear Through Fake News – Governor Alex Otti Warns Abia-Based Journalists

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has made a passionate appeal to media professionals across Nigeria—particularly those operating within Abia State—not to spread misleading reports or fabricated stories that could incite fear or disrupt societal peace.

The Governor’s message was conveyed during his address at the 2025 Media Vision Africa training event held in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State. Representing Governor Otti at the program was the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, who emphasized the crucial responsibility that media professionals bear in ensuring accurate and truthful reporting.

According to the Governor, journalists must shift focus toward publishing reports that foster public trust and promote a sense of security, rather than narratives that incite anxiety and alarm. He cautioned against the habitual use of fear-mongering tactics or propaganda in news dissemination, stressing that such practices only damage the credibility of the press and mislead the public.

While reiterating the Otti-led administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the media sector to advance development within both Abia State and Nigeria at large, the Governor urged the trainees and upcoming journalists at the event to always anchor their stories on verifiable facts and truth.

Governor Otti was clear in his directive: media practitioners must avoid manipulating facts or distorting the truth for the sake of sensationalism. He advised that comprehensive journalism should present a balanced picture—highlighting not only the challenges facing the state but also showcasing the positive strides being made.

“In today’s Abia, where the government is focused on improving security and reviving the economy, it is vital that we promote narratives that reinforce public confidence rather than fear,” he stated. “I urge all media practitioners in Abia and across the nation to uphold the image of the profession with integrity and avoid being purveyors of fake news.”

In a related development, Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, the President of Vision Africa and a leading Methodist Bishop, also addressed the gathering. He highlighted the objective of the training event as part of a broader initiative aimed at equipping Nigeria’s young media professionals with the tools needed for future leadership roles in journalism.

Bishop Onuoha encouraged the Nigerian youth to abandon the outdated mindset of depending solely on government appointments or political favor for career advancement. Instead, he called on them to become innovative content creators, job providers, and transformational leaders who can help redefine the culture and tone of public communication in the country.