The media have been advised to promote good governance, through accountability and anti corruption campaigns to move the nation forward.
Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwalu Ibrahim Rafsanjani made the call during a training for journalists on anti corruption and accountability issues, held in Kano
According to him, the consequences of corruption has served as a catalyst to the under development of the country through compromising security, health care system, education and value system .
The executive director said, the media have a vital role to play in fighting corruption by educating the public, political parties and all relevant stakeholders in the upcoming 2023 general election.
Auwal however noted that, the essence of the training is to equip journalists with the requisite knowledge to achieve the desired objectives.
“The need to consolidate on anti corruption in Nigeria and prevent potential rollback, post-2023 by spreading and strengthening the support – base for reforms”
In his remarks, Kano state chairman of the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Comrade Abbas Ibrahim charged the media to always display professionalism and stick to the ethics of the profession.
He highlighted that, as watch dogs of the society whom the public rely for factual information, it becomes paramount for newsmen, to discharge their duties effectively and hold leaders accountable where the need arise.
“Journalists should avoid seeking for gratification”
In her presentation titled ‘ Investigative journalism and source handling’ the Bureau Chief Guardian Abuja, Dr. Bridget stressed that, balanced independent on -the- ground reporting is the way but sources remain key.
She identified some tips for journalists, which includes avoiding single source reporting, determining the competency of sources, managing power relations between the media and sources of information among others.
Other resource persons at the training, advocated on the media to monitor the effectiveness of upholding affirmative action, and social inclusion in the political parties, as well as ensuring accountability, transparency in the electoral reform and constitutional amendment process.
The event tagged “Training for journalists on prioritizing anti corruption and accountability issues during 2023 elections in Nigeria ‘ organized by CISLAC in collaboration with women in media communication initiative, witnessed large turn out of media practitioners from within and outside the state.
KHADIJAH ALIYU