The Media Must Continue To Follow The Code Of Ethics – Yemi Osinbajo

Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode have begged the media to keep doing all they can to make sure their members follow the code of ethics to protect the dignity of the profession.

They both spoke at the 2019 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Ikeja recently.

In his message, Ambode said the media must continue to improve and be the watchdog for the people and the government.

His words, “We have learnt from your informed commentaries, reflecting deep concern about the need for solutions to problems that all of us worry about uninterrupted electricity, efficient transportation, affordable housing and the ease of doing business.

“What we have witnessed in Lagos state in the past four years and particularly the commissioning of transformational projects in recent times bear testimony to the fact that your criticisms and suggestions towards a livable megacity have contributed to our policy formulation and execution,”

“I appeal that the guild continue to see the stables and the titles as stakeholders whose social responsibility to actualise the vision of a greater Lagos will be taken to the next level by my successor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the incoming governor,”

Yemi Osinbajo said, “Editors must now take over the online media as seriously as they did to the traditional media and that move has to be unprecedented. What we see today is that instant reporting is making a mince meat of the virtues of cross checking facts before publishing.

“Since the role of editors is quality control and gate keeping, of the things they must do is to manage the new media and place some form of control. Some people must take the lead to speak up against the bastardization of the new media as it is gradually relegating investigative journalism,”

“I urge you to continue to abide by the journalism code of ethics of honesty, independence, accuracy, balance and public accountability. The time has come for editors to ensure that the thread of journalists of repute does not become a thing of the past.”