.warns against sensationalism, AI misinformation
By Our Reporter
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters (INEC), Hon. Bayo Balogun, has urged journalists to avoid sensational reporting capable of disrupting public peace, stressing that the media must act responsibly in the discharge of its duties.
Balogun, representing Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the call on Saturday, while hosting journalists to an Iftar (breaking of fast) during the ongoing Ramadan, where he highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and maintaining societal stability.
The lawmaker, while asserting that the media as an institution is bigger than any individual practitioner, noted that the credibility and respect accorded to the profession depend largely on how responsibly journalists handle and disseminate information.
Balogun said many members of the public often took news reports at face value, believing what they read or heard in the media without questioning it, which places a heavy responsibility on journalists to ensure that their reports were accurate, balanced and not capable of inflaming tensions.
The lawmaker also referenced the events surrounding the #EndSARS protests, noting that the situation escalated partly due to the way narratives and information circulated widely across various media platforms.
Besides, Balogun further raised concerns about the growing use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the dissemination of information, warning that such developments could make it increasingly difficult to verify the authenticity of certain contents.
He noted that with the rise of AI-generated materials and digitally manipulated content, journalists must strengthen their fact-checking processes to avoid inadvertently spreading misinformation.
This was just as he also condemned the activities of some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), accusing them of frequently inciting the public against the government rather than promoting constructive engagement on national issues.
While acknowledging the importance of civic advocacy, the lawmaker urged such groups to act responsibly and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or misleading the public.
He, therefore, called on both the media and civil society actors to work toward promoting peace, unity and national development through responsible communication and engagement.
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