Bode George, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, has urged online publishers to lead the charge against fake news and unprofessional practices in the journalism profession. He made this call while speaking at the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos.
The conference, themed “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects,” brought together media, government, and private sector stakeholders to discuss governance and the role of the press in democratic accountability. George commended the Guild for promoting integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in online journalism, noting its consistency despite challenges.
George expressed concern over the rising number of untrained individuals infiltrating the media space, and he lamented the plight of Nigerian youths, who he described as victims of poor governance and leadership failure. He called on the government to prioritize young citizens’ welfare and harness the country’s abundant human and natural resources for sustainable development.
The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP also warned against calls for military intervention, stating that such moves would undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress. He advocated for a comprehensive reform of the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen democratic institutions and restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.
George emphasized the importance of credible journalism, noting that it remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy and national development. He charged journalists to remain steadfast in truth, ethics, and patriotism. The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba.
GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo reiterated the Guild’s commitment to professionalism and accountability in digital journalism, emphasizing the need for collaboration among credible media platforms to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust in the media. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the state of governance and the role of the press in promoting democratic accountability.