Human Rights Activist and Coordinator, Conference for the Actualization of Human Rights, Barr.Omemiroro Maxwell Ogedegbe has said the police and politicians do not have any right to arrest journalists over publication as it is not a criminal offence and the worst any one can do was to approach a law court.
Barr.Ogedegbe who was the moderator during the Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF) inauguration in Asaba said after the master of ceremony announced attempts by some political thugs to kidnap an online journalist, Austin Oyibode urged online journalists not to allow the government to stifle their voices as the media was the major champion and instrument to checkmate tyranny.
“When a libellous publication is published by a media house, there are legal remedies available to the victim of the libel. The intended arrest or somewhat abduction of a pressman by Senator Nwaboushi from the Asaba, venue of the inauguration of the Delta Online publishers Forum is unlawful and a threatened violation of his right to personal liberty as abduction and arrest does not qualify as the remedies available to him.
He volunteered to render free legal service to the said press man. “We shall never allow the press to be intimidated again as they were the main actors whose tools were used to wrestle powers from military dictatorship.
Also the Keynote Speaker and President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights(CDHR) Barr. Malachy Ugwummadu said the CDHR was also ready to render free legal service to any journalists threatened by security agencies or public officers.
Earlier in a keynote address titled, “Impact of Online Journalists on Good Governance and Accountability” , Bar Ugunnmadu, called on online news operators to report the true situation of the state, by ensuring that the developmental policies and statements are met, especially in budget implementations.
He stated that the online media has helped in the promotion of good governance and accountability in the country since the inception of democratic rule as they are interrelated to an extent.
“Democracy and online media are interrelated to such an extent that democracy has fostered online media use by way of further making the government to promote freedom of expression which is the foundation of the media. The online media has also fostered democracy by increasing peoples’ avenue to contribute to public affairs and influencing certain government decisions”.
He said the Nigerian constitution imposes a duty on the media to be the watchdog of the society, and this implies it should take vigilance over relationship between the people and the government.
“The fact that the constitution imposes a duty on the media to monitor governance implies that it should undertake vigilance over the relationship between the people and the government”.
Bar Ugunnmadu however called on media houses to be objective in their reporting, as that will be the only credible way to grow.
Most speakers during the occasion tasked online media to be objective in their reporting about the country, and avoid any sensational report that will destroy the image of the country in anyway.
The inauguration which was attended by a cross section of eminent Deltans across the state, chaired by Hon Christopher Ochor Ochor the Executive Director Social Services Development, on the board of DESOPADEC, who was represented by Hon Charles Emetulu, the Executive Assistant to the governor on Community Relations.
In his address, Hon Ochor called on members of the newly inaugurated body to use their various platforms to fight against fake news which had taken over the internet, and mainly spread through Social Medias.
“I believe this gathering is the right place to start the fight against fake news, because this form of news is mainly transmitted by online and social media practitioners, and I believe there should be control on how those of you who are involved in online news portals and social media platforms on the type of information you give out to the public. Any unverified message sent out is not only dangerous, but is capable of destroying the peaceful nature of the society”.
“The rate of fake information and news trending in the country is increasing daily and it is all from the cyberspace, which is the base of your operation.” He said.
On his part, the state commissioner of Information Mr Patrick Ukah, cautioned on the use of the online news media to run down others, tasking the members that an integrity and objective reporting should be the keyword of owners of such news websites, and called on members of the forum to be the vanguards on the drive to eliminate fake and damaging news materials that are trending in the cyber space.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Patrick Ukah, who was the special guest of honour, while congratulating the members for a successful inauguration, tasked them to be guided by the ethics of the journalism profession, and to remain objective.
“As you are coming on with your official inauguration, I implore you to be guided by the ethics of your noble profession, remain objective and do not play politics with your forum”. He said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli said the association was formed to promote the ethical standard of News Media’s operating online, and ensure that standards are kept, and to sure up public confidence of news from online news bodies in the state.
“Our main priority will be to provide an alternative, credible and believable platform to address and correct fake news as much as possible and promote the good of the state and her people.”
He pointed out that for the state to grow, and businesses to grow in the state, there must be corroboration between the state, and businesses, with a secure environment.
“We must work together to build a better Delta state, and Nigeria, where lives will be secured and citizens will be well informed through credible channels.”
The event had a discussion section which had the South South Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter, Mr Edward Akpati Ogude, Miss Sindy Foster of Nylon Marketing Company, London, Ms Julie Ugbeni Lecturer from Delta State University, Abraka, and Ms Faith Nwadishi Country Representatives of Transparency International on Extractive Industries, Norway and Executive Director of Koyenum Immalah Organisation, and Bar. Maxwell Omens Ogedegbe, as the moderator.
Some of the personalities who attended the event were the Executive Assistant to the governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Breatman Nmalagu, Mr Jackson Ekwugum, Communication Manager to the governor, Representative of the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Charles Aniaghwu, Representative of Senator Ighoyeta Amori, Bar Kennedy Nwashindi, one time Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Representative of Hon Ndudi Elumelu, members of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, (CDHR), the state Police Public Relation Officer, Mr Andrew Nwamaka, state NUJ Chairman. Mr. Micheal Ikeagwu
The DOPF board of trustee is made up of Mr Omafume Amurun, Chairman, Mr. Alber Ograka, Secretary. Others are Mr. Enebeli Emmanuel, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, Secretary-General, Mr. Chukwudi Abiandu, deputy Chairman and Mr. David Dia.
Members of the executive included Mr. Joe Ogbodu, treasurer, Mr. Ughollue Chijioke, Financial Secretary, Mr. Miracle Enuji, asst. Sect-General and Mr. Kparobo Ehvwubare
