By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on media practitioners in Nigeria to prioritize factual reporting and remain non-partisan in the discharge of their professional duties.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the management team of DAAR Communications PLC in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and maintaining democratic stability.
He cautioned against the dissemination of misleading information, particularly regarding judicial rulings and political developments.
Wike expressed his appreciation to DAAR Communications for being the first media organization to pay him a courtesy call since his assumption of office.
He lauded the organization’s “ambitious vision” and pledged the FCT Administration’s support in helping the media house realize its goals.
“We want to partner with you over your vision. “Fear is the greatest danger.
“It is an ambitious thing, but with commitment, you can achieve it. While we have the opportunity to be in office, we want to see how we can promote the image of the Federal Capital Territory”, Wike stated.
In a proactive move, the Minister invited the FCT Director of Lands to the meeting to address pending land issues affecting the media organization.
Wike directed an immediate and diligent resolution of the matters, moving away from “civil service bureaucracy” to ensure the issues are settled permanently.
The Minister addressed the current political climate, urging reporters to conduct thorough research before going on air.
He specifically cited the recent controversies involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and internal party crises, arguing that many reports use terms like “factional” even when clear court judgments have been delivered.
“Sometimes when you watch television and see the kind of things people are saying, you wonder where they are getting these facts from,.
“It is important that reporters make research to find out if what they have heard is correct. The citizens deserve the best information”, the Minister added.
