The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said that both government and the media should step up the fight against fake news in the country.
Malami made the observation in Abuja on Friday while playing host to a media delegation from the DAAR Communications.
According to him, the media and government should strike a balance capable of checkmating menace of fake news, hate speech, peddling of falsehood and the likes, saying they only promote mistrust and division in the country.
He said, “We have joint responsibility and duties to ensure good governance. My perception of our relationships has to play a joint role with the aim of enhancing quality governance devoid of fake news and other vices that cannot assist national development and our democratic government.
“In ensuring peaceful co-existence, I believe that the media has a crucial role to play, not only to enhance checks and balancing but to also promote the nations agenda.”
On the proposed town hall meeting slated for February, Malami assured the visitor of his support, saying, “It is particularly important to discuss issues like this with partners like you in the forefront.”
Speaking earlier, the chairman Daar Communications, who doubles as the leader of the delegation, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., hailed the AGF for using his office as the number one law officer in the advancement of the country’s democracy.
“The way and manner your office handled the issue of Omoyele Sowore and his eventual release from the custody of the DSS deserved an applause,” he said.
Dokpesi cautioned the government against legislation and regulation of the media industry, saying “media entities and journalists are still facing all manners of challenges, intimidation and persecution in the hands of governments and its agents across the country.”
