Misinformation: A Deliberate Mischief – James Eze

HARRIS CHUMA

The Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, James Eze, penultimate week warned that the increasing spate of online fake news and misinformation if not curtailed will destroy the integrity of public information.

Speaking in Awka, at a conference organised by the Association of Digital Media Core Advocates, ADMCA, tagged ‘Digital Media: Engaging Unifying Voices Against Fake News and Misinformation’, Eze lamented that the capacity of fake news to cause harm has been demonstrated time and again.

He said, “The social media has placed enormous power on the users, almost without control.  Media practice has changed; everything has changed, the trend might become dangerous with the advancement in digital technology. The online media proliferation of the fake news and misinformation is deliberate mischief. Fake news is a massive danger to society. There is urgent need for reorientation.”

Eze, however, thanked the organisers of the conference while urging them not to relent in the ongoing fight against fake news.

“I want to thank most especially, Chief Harris Chuma (Ogene Igbo) and his group, Association of Digital Media Core Advocates, for this great initiative. Also, congratulations to Anambra for leading the conversation. I believe that the next edition will be bigger. Chuma should endeavour to reach out” he said.

To address the issue of fake news, the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chuka Nnabuife, Managing Director of National Light Newspapers, called on the media practitioners to engage in news and fact checking to aid in publishing what the real facts are. He advocated for the rebirth of ethical standards of journalism. “You don’t just publish anything, think before you do. A journalist should not cut, copy and paste reports without scrutiny.  In media practice, some secrets must be kept secret, protect your source. Copy-chasing or pasturing puts one in harm’s way. Above all, note that you are responsible to society” Chuka said.

In delivering his paper, Barrister Samuel Amadi spoke extensively on the legal implications of fake news and misinformation.  The legal luminary defined fake news as “news that is objectively false, factually incorrect or an inaccurate report.”  He disclosed that any news which diminishes the reputation of somebody else is most likely to be the subject of a defamation suit.  “In defamation cases, a re-publisher is just as liable as the original publisher. For an action to lie in defamation, the words must be published. And a defamatory publication over the internet can be classified as permanent and therefore libelous” he said.

The conference had in attendance, the Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor on New Media, Mr. Harrison Madubueze, renowned social media Influencers and activists, Dr. Justin Nwankwo, Comrade Iwuoba Chukwunonso, Comrade Pascal Candle, Obioma Obidiegwu and Comrade Obi Ibegbunam. Other top guests included Barr. Mike Ikegbunam, Barr. Umunna Tony, Barr. Ezechukwu Richard, Barr. Francis Ekwemeze, Nchekwube Tony Dunga, Ambassador CJ Digar Ezenwafor. Gracing the event also were representatives from the DSS, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Anambra Broadcasting Service, National Light Newspapers, Galaxy TV, TVC, AIT, Radio Nigeria and others.

The communiqué arising from the one day media conference maintained that fake news cannot be curtailed by legislation, but through a situation where everyone involved sees its stoppage as a corporate social responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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