‎DPO to Journalists: Verify First, Publish With Proof, Not Hype

The Divisional Police Officer, B Division, Warri, CSP Josephine Ekebuike, has called on journalists to raise professional standards by prioritising fact-checking before publication 
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‎Ekebuike made the call on Tuesday while hosting members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, at the division headquarters in Warri, Delta State.
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‎Addressing the journalists, the DPO expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation and unverified reports, particularly in the era of social media where information travels rapidly.
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‎She stressed that journalists have a responsibility to ensure that reports are thoroughly investigated and verified before publication, noting that relying on a single source often leads to incomplete or misleading stories.
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‎”There is no way anyone can accurately know everything that is happening without proper verification. When you receive information, don’t stop at the first source. Reach out to relevant authorities, spokespersons and other stakeholders to hear all sides of the story before going public,” she said.
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‎Ekebuike urged media practitioners to return to the core principles of investigative journalism, emphasizing that the profession should rise above personal interests and sensationalism.
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‎According to her, journalists play a critical role in shaping public perception, especially during periods of tension and crisis, and must therefore report responsibly to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
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‎She lamented a growing trend where incidents are reported and shared widely without verification, often resulting in exaggerated casualty figures and distorted accounts of events.
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‎The DPO noted that false reports are difficult to correct once they gain traction, as many people continue to believe the initial misinformation even after accurate facts emerge.
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‎”Timely and accurate reporting is essential. By the time the truth comes out, panic may already have spread among families and communities. Professional journalists must distinguish themselves by providing credible and verified information,” she stated.
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‎Ekebuike recalled how the circulation of unverified information during a security-related incident in Delta State earlier in the year generated widespread anxiety and numerous inquiries from concerned residents.
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‎She challenged members of the NUJ to position themselves as trusted sources of information in an age where virtually everyone with a smartphone claims to be a journalist.
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‎”The public should be willing to wait for the NUJ’s version of events because they trust it will be factual and balanced. That should be your hallmark,” she added.
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‎The police chief further urged journalists to explore innovative ways of making professionalism attractive and relevant in the digital age, while maintaining ethical standards that promote peace and social stability.
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‎She described the challenge of combating misinformation as a collective responsibility and encouraged media practitioners to continue playing their vital role in fostering an informed and peaceful society.
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‎Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Francis Sadhere, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, Chief Akpokona Omafuaire, commended the DPO for her dedication and commitment to effective policing within the division.
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‎Sadhere reiterated the Union’s readiness to partner with the B Division in information dissemination and public enlightenment initiatives aimed at promoting security and public safety in the area.
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‎He explained that the visit was intended to formally introduce the new leadership of the Chapel to the DPO and further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the media and the police.
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‎According to him, journalists remain critical partners in progress, committed to constructive engagement with institutions and stakeholders in advancing peace, security and development in society.
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‎The visit ended with both the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel and the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force expressing their commitment to deepening collaboration and fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in the interest of public safety, responsible information management and community development.
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