Information managers of the federal government and in All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled states have demanded for strengthened legislation, strategies and action plans with consequences for media abuse and misinformation in the country.
The media managers also asked for a strengthened advocacy to amplify justifications of government policies and popularise government achievements across board.
The demands are contained in a communique released after the inaugural meeting of Managers of Information of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governments at federal and state levels, recently facilitated by Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Lagos.
In a communique signed Tuesday in Abuja by the Director General of PGF Salihu Moh. Lukman, noted that effective media and citizens engagement with regular feedbacks was critical to communicating the performance of governments of APC at all levels in terms of presenting the factual and truthful narrative to the people.
It also observed that “It is vital to create sustainable synergy amongst all the managers of information to holistically address the problems of falsehood, misinformation and media abuse in every dimension, by considering media plan and strategy as a strategic component of every government programme and projects.
“All stakeholders should consider the impacts of social media on perception management, particularly as it is currently being used for propagation of falsehood and hatred among Nigerians.
“Media funding is a major challenge because it is very capital intensive, so APC governments need to look for a balance between the huge funds required for it and the funding for other sectors.”
The Lagos conference hosted by the governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, however recommended a “Strengthened legislation, strategies and action plans with consequences for media abuse and misinformation.
“Concerted engagement with critical media stakeholders and practitioners to have strong and well-coordinated presence in the media space by ensuring appropriate synergy between Federal and State Ministries, Agencies and Departments, Local Governments, Development Partners, the Civil Society Partners, and the Private Sector.
“Agreed to meet quarterly as to review progress and also build solidarity amongst managers of information at all levels in APC-Led governments under the leadership of Alh. Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister of Information and Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Increased commitment towards improving media and public engagement with necessary feedbacks through enhancing relationship with the populace and incorporating the necessary media plan and strategy to drive each policy and programme.
“Sustained efforts to plan and implement media engagement strategies and programmes that will be sustainable and resilient to the impacts of media attacks by the opposition and their collaborators within and outside Nigeria, and the misinformation and media abuse associated with it.”
