Speaker House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has described the high proliferation of online media as a major obstacle affecting information management in the country.
He made the statement while declaring open a two-day capacity workshop for members of the House of Representatives’ press corps taking place in Abuja.
Me Femi Gbajabiamila, who emphasized the importance of media in educating the masses on their roles in democratic governance and matters of national interest described as unfortunate how many of them engaged in promoting fake news and unbiased reportage.
The Speaker, explained that the workshop was organized to appreciate and strengthen the capacity of journalists covering the House of Representatives in promoting professionalism while reporting the parliament’s proceedings.
In a remark, Clerk to the House of Representatives Dr Yahaya Dan Zaria decried the lack of proper coordination in stories filed by some journalists covering both the Senate and House of Representatives which he said the workshop was expected to address.
The Clerk also confirmed that the house was currently working to reposition its media unit towards proper reporting of the legislation for the development of democracy.
Dr Yahaya Dan Zaria stressed that the house was doing everything possible to improve the existing working relationship with the media to enable the ninth Assembly to succeed in making laws that have a direct impact on the citizenry.
Also speaking, the Chairman House of Representatives press Corps Mrs Grace Ike, lauded the house for making the workshop reality and assured that members of the press corps would make judicious use of it to achieve the set objectives.
She however, confirmed the commitment of the press corps in educating the public on the house activities to address the lingering misconception by the masses on the Nigerian legislators.
The two day capacity workshop organized by the house of representatives being attended by journalists from different media organisations is expected to come to an end Sunday this week.
COV /TSIBIRI