Tackling The Proliferation of Fake News in Nigeria 

Fake news by definition is a type of yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media. This false information is mainly distributed by social media, but is periodically circulated through mainstream media.

In the wake of Ekiti election, hate speeches, corruption scandals and  certificate Racketeering across all levels in Nigeria, the hunger for trustworthy news sources, verifiable news and strong dependable institutions has become a case of cry for help as it impacts negatively on the social, economic, political and religious spheres of our lives.

It as become imperative to become sound critical thinkers who are driven by rational objective analysis and thinking processes rather than be driven by emotions, sentiments and hearsay. 

Let's give this some context: 

Q1. On saturday, Ekiti had its gubernatorial election. And while elections were still being collated by the INEC (Independent National Election Commission), the constitutionally recognised body to conduct elections and verify results, the outgoing governor of Ekiti still in office went ahead to breach the Nigeria Broadcasting Code to announce elections results in contravention with constitutional rules guiding the electoral process, which turned out to be fake news, what does that reveal about how deeply entrenched fakes news has become in our society?

2. As this point of writing NBC has not only fined Ekiti Broadcasting service half a million naira for breaching some of its guidelines it has also shut down the state radio station for breaking such code by allowing an out going governor take over its job millitary-style.

This raises the question of professionalism amongst the state civil servants who are working journalist, information officers and broadcasters in the sector on the issue of partisan.

Why would the station allow that when they're fully aware about the rules of the Constitution and NBC Rules?

3. This singular action by Fayose can it be constituted to mean an act of conspiracy, a treasonable offence or felony considering this is about a guber election where the governorship seat comes under attack  by hijacking the state radio reminiscent of millitary dictatorship to declare election results for his preferred candidate through fake result imposition upon citizens while voting was still ongoing?

And when we consider too that eye witnesses accounts showed that the government also chose that day to induce election voting paying pittance directly into staff and pensioner accounts while still owing backlogs of salaries how serious are these offences and breach of the Nigeria constitution,  code of conduct, ICPC act and circumvention of INEC rules?

Section 516 of the Criminal Code which deals with conspiracies generally and is intended to apply to conspiracies which are not specifically provided for under the code.

The just concluded Ekiti guber elections just  is an example of the highest form of fake news ever experienced in Nigeria. But what is even more shocking is that Fayose's party has not come out to outrightly condemn this singular act by Fayose. At what point does party loyalty betrays reposed confidence? Would Fayose's party coming out to condemn his breach of the highest law in the land be considered anti party behaviour?

Q5. When political parties, politicians and individuals think they can get away with fake news because they'll get the backing of their party, friends and families at the cost of upholding truth and democracy, how far reaching will endorsing such behaviour cost us?

Q6. This brings us to another manifestation of fake news:

The issue of Certificate Racketeering so pervasive within tertiary institutions, primary and secondary schools.

In context here is the recent response from NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, who stated that available records indicate that Mrs. Adeosun did apply for an Exemption Certificate. However, she did not disclose whether the Minister was issued with an Exemption Certificate in response to her application. But the director of press, NYSC, did say an investigation will be launched to ascertain the origin of the Exemption Certificate in question.

But in the wake of this has been purpoted pictures of Adeosun wearing NYSC uniforms which counters the reason for applying for an Exemption Certificate.  Because the real purpose of an Exemption Certificate is NOT to attend NYSC.

Yet, many Nigerians bought into that narrative, accepting these pictures as evidence. The concern here is this: when we see news report, what should guide how much we believe: rational critical thinking or sentiments and emotions? 

Q7. The fact that an online news portal broke the story is that enough to swallow what we're told simply this site is considered to be a news source?

Q8. It also raises a most important question: can we trust all news sources be they electronic,  online or traditional news?

Q9. How can we arm ourselves not to become victims and promoters of fake news?

Q10.  Do we need more censorship of the media space?

And when you consider that the Senate passed a clean bill on documents submitted to it, does it mean the Senate should do more in creating a soevial screening committee that investigates documents submitted to it by nominees?

What more can be done to stem this pervasiveness even in polytechnics and universities of Nigeria and similar institutions? 

More fines, more imprisonment or stiffer sanctions?

Q11. Should radio and TV audiences begin to question "authority" analysts, editors, reporters and publishers? What more can citizens play in ensuring that they hold the media to the highest standard of news dissemination? How can they go about doing this?

Q12. With these concerns raised, it begs the question: How much of fake news inspire hate speeches?

Q13. How much of news is mere propaganda, biases and prejudices? 

Q14. Media personnel in the industry often work with owners of news outfit many of whom are partisan, which raises the question: How much of the owners' or media officer's own biases, prejudices and propaganda influence any single piece of news, article or coverage? And what can be done to prevent this as a matter of daily professional practice?

Q15. While NBC must be commended for its swift action in preventing a state of anarchy from happening in Ekiti State provoked by the action of an outgoing governor, do you think with the degree of hate speeches on radio and television, is NBC doing enough?

 Q16. Other institutions like NOA, ICPC, Code of conduct bureau and similar institutions taking enough preemptive actions in preventing and managing acts that promotes hate speeches?

Q17: The next time a trusted friend breaks news to you, would you accept it as fact? Should you accept it as fact? Or would you listen to hear the gist then verify your facts on the go or later before passing it on to another person or posting it online?

*CIVIC INTELLIGENCE & CRITICAL OBJECTIVE THINKING IS THE SOLUTION TO FAKE NEWS - Lady E Ejiro Umukoro.*

#CitizensMustTakeActionToo