Nigerian journalists have once again been reminded of their critical role in protecting democracy and promoting good governance through the consistent practice of ethical journalism. The call came from Dr. Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who urged members of the press to uphold professional standards and defend the integrity of their profession. Dr. Omeri, who spoke during a media thanksgiving service organized by the Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) Gloryland in Lafia, emphasized that a democratic system cannot flourish without a free, credible, and independent press. According to him, compromising media integrity through unethical practices such as “brown envelope journalism” undermines public trust, endangers national unity, and weakens the democratic process. Media Independence as a Pillar of Democracy The former NOA DG pointed out that press freedom and independence are vital pillars for building national development. He warned that when journalism is compromised by external influences or financial inducements, it threatens peace and stability within society. Omeri therefore encouraged media practitioners across Nigeria to deepen their understanding of democratic values while promoting fairness, professionalism, and freedom of expression. He also appealed to political leaders to view the press as partners in progress, rather than adversaries, highlighting that the rise of junk journalism has contributed to the harassment and intimidation of journalists within and outside Nigeria. Commendations for the Nigerian Press Adding to the discourse, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, commended journalists for their invaluable role in sustaining 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since Nigeria entered the Fourth Republic. In a similar vein, Mr. Ibrahim Addra, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Sule, alongside Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Nasarawa State—represented by Juliana Ofokwu—praised the press for its unwavering commitment to professionalism. They further pledged continued support for media initiatives that strengthen accountability and foster good governance in Nigeria. Media and Society Must Work Together In his sermon during the thanksgiving service, Dr. Nawani Aboki, Chairman and Chief Executive of Breeze FM Lafia, called on citizens to stand by journalists in delivering quality and responsible journalism. He highlighted that effective journalism cannot thrive without strong collaboration between the press and the public. Aboki also warned that unethical reporting erodes public confidence and weakens the credibility of the media. Reverend John Godiya, Associate Reverend of ERCC Gloryland, equally stressed the need for responsible journalism that unites rather than divides society. According to him, partnership between the media and citizens remains essential for fostering national progress, peace, and social cohesion. Conclusion The media remains the voice of democracy in Nigeria. Upholding journalism ethics not only safeguards press freedom but also strengthens governance, accountability, and development. As Dr. Mike Omeri and other speakers noted, responsible journalism is not just a professional obligation—it is a duty to the nation.
The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed the arrest and detention of Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), in connection with an alleged illegal oil bunkering operation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This development has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians and human rights advocates. Details of the Arrest According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, troops apprehended Mr. Soyombo at an alleged illegal oil bunkering site. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat oil theft in the region. The Army stated:“Intelligence revealed the existence of a notorious gang of oil thieves known for bursting pipelines and making illegal connections. Troops conducted a deliberate operation at the site, leading to several arrests, including that of Fisayo Soyombo.“ FIJ’s Response FIJ reported via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that Mr. Soyombo has been detained for three days, his gadgets seized, and communication with him cut off. The outlet emphasized the need for transparency, urging the Army to preserve all evidence tied to the case. Public Outcry The journalist’s arrest has sparked significant backlash on social media and from civil society organizations. Prominent voices have called for his immediate release, citing concerns about press freedom and human rights. Nigeria’s Press Freedom Challenges Nigeria remains a challenging environment for journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks the country 123rd out of 180 nations in its 2023 Press Freedom Index. Journalists frequently face monitoring, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, with many cases of violence against them going unpunished. Army’s Defense The Army has assured the public that Mr. Soyombo’s detention is part of preliminary investigations into the oil theft operation. They stressed the importance of verifying facts before publishing allegations. “The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigations to determine their level of involvement. We remain committed to combating oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s resources,” the Army’s statement added. Calls for Justice Civil society groups, including Amnesty International and SERAP, have joined the chorus demanding Mr. Soyombo’s release. Many argue that his arrest is a direct attack on investigative journalism and press freedom in Nigeria. READ ALSO:
