FEATURED
Buhari In Air Mishap! Never, It’s Just A Fake News – Adesina
The Presidential spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina has described as fake, reports that the aircraft on which President Muhammadu Buhari recently travelled to the United States developed fault mid-air and that the president escaped narrow death..
The presidential spokesman, who said he has been a victim of fake news on many occasions, spoke in Abuja at the public presentation of a book, “101 fake news on EndSARS,” a publication of PRNigeria, authored by a journalist, Dahiru Lawal.
Adesina described the reports published in some on-line platforms as an example of fake news that has become a major vice and threat to information dissemination in the country.
“It didn’t happen. I was on that flight. We took off from New York, went straight to Santa Maria in Portugal where we refuelled. We took off again and flew straight to Nigeria.
“Where is the mishap? It is a lie it never happened.. Do you know the number of people that have been misled by this fake news?
“Fake news is a problem not only to Nigeria, but to the whole world. The traditional media should be careful of fake news, because we must first have a country before digital media can be useful to us.
“We must not allow digital media to be used to destroy our country. Digital media is good, but there is evil embedded in it.” Adesina said.
Adesina, who cited instances where his views were misrepresented by purveyors of fake news, expressed disappointment that members of the Yoruba group, Afenifere allowed themselves to be misled by fake news about his recent comparison between Buhari and some past political leaders.
He said the traditional media and professional journalists must be more careful because the digital media appear to be dictating the pace and the traditional media now rely on them.
Adesina, who noted that fake news was instrumental to the EndSARS protest and the massive destruction witnessed, said the problem would be more pronounced as the 2023 general elections draw close.
The presidential spokesman, who urged all to be vigilant, praised the initiative of those behind the book.
Also speaking, Dr. Umar Jibrila Gwandu, the media aide to the Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, noted that fake news are always intended to cause harm.
Gwandu urged professional journalists not to allow quacks to take the lead and dictate the pace of information dissemination, because doing so will be a disservice to the country.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PRNigeria, Malam Yushau Shuaib, who reviewed the 207-page book, said it was intended to highlight the threat fake news poses to societal peace and security.
Shuaib appealed to practising journalists to always cross check their facts so that the public confidence in the media would not be erroded.
(PRNigeria report, excluding headline)
Confusion Trails Abuja Protest as VDM Leaves Venue, Supporters Allege Army Interference
NSA Brokers Peace Deal as Ijaw, Itsekiri Leaders Agree on Power-Sharing Formula in Warri
Oborevwori Mourns as Former Delta Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara Dies
Nigeria Won’t Abandon You, Bianca Ojukwu Tells Inmates as Ethiopia Prisoner Transfer Deal Takes Effect
“Only God Can End Insecurity” Remark Sparks Outrage as Defence Minister Faces Backlash
Pro-Tinubu Group Protests in Abuja, Accuses Makinde of Politicising Oriire Schoolchildren Kidnap Case
BREAKING: Abducted Retired Maj-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, Dies in Terrorist Custody
Ogun State Targets 95% Votes for Tinubu in 2027, Cites Economic Reforms
Xenophobia in South Africa: Tinubu Puts MTN, DSTV Licenses on the Chopping Block as Evacuation Begins
”We Are Lacking Boots on the Ground” – Gov. Uba Sani Says Nigeria Needs State Police to Address Insecurity
Inside Jim Ovia’s Two New Waterfront Luxury Towers
I’ll Release Kanu if Elected, Dialogue is Better Than Detention, Says Obi
South Africa to Bill Nigeria, Other Nations for Deportation Costs of Undocumented Migrants
Democracy Day: Leadership is a Trust Bestowed by the People, Says Okowa
