Lagos: The Chairman of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, has called on the Nigerian media to exercise greater caution in their reporting of the country’s security situation.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Akinsiju emphasized that the media often focuses more on the challenges in the fight against banditry and terrorism, rather than the commendable efforts by security agencies and the government to combat these issues. He made these remarks in his paper titled ‘Importance of the media in information gathering and disclosure in the face of security challenges’ presented at the 6th Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture/Awards in Lagos.

Dr. Akinsiju highlighted that national interest should be a primary consideration for media reporting on security matters in Nigeria. He referenced studies on the media’s role in peacebuilding to bolster his viewpoint, noting that media coverage of Boko Haram and bandit activities has sometimes destabilized the Nigerian state. He suggested that media reporting could inadvertently weaken the state’s response to such conflicts and organized crime.

The IMPI chairman pointed out that Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, had previously urged journalists to avoid giving undue attention to bandits and criminals, as it could undermine the morale of the Nigerian military. This stance echoed similar sentiments from Mr. Idris’s predecessor, Mr. Lai Mohammed, who had also criticized the media for focusing more on bandit attacks than on the successes of the government and security forces.

Dr. Akinsiju drew comparisons with developed countries, where media adopt less adversarial reporting styles when national interests are at stake. He argued that while the media should hold the government accountable, it should also support the state in times of existential threats or challenges to democracy and capitalism.

In conclusion, Dr. Akinsiju advocated for a benchmark relationship between media practitioners and military authorities in conflict situations across Nigeria, suggesting that the media should align their reporting with the national interest to foster peace and stability.