By Olamilekan FAWAS
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has urged the media to guard against being used to spread hate speech.
Dogara made the call at the inauguration of House of Representatives Press Corps Executive in Abuja. He said that the country was largely in crisis already, and appealed to the Fourth Estate to promote free speeches rather than hate speeches.
The speaker explained that free speeches led to debate among citizens while hate speeches bred violence. He said that a noisy democracy was a healthy democracy and urged the media to promote debate among the people.
The legislator said that people must agree and disagree for the truth to come out and that the media should not be censored. According to him, we are in an era where truth is scarce; when your report does not suit certain interests, it is tagged fake news; it is a challenge you must conquer.
While congratulating the new executive, Dogara charged the newsmen to continue to portray the National Assembly in good light.
He said the organ of government was the only symbol of democracy, adding that those instigating the public against it, was pulling democracy down.
Dogara expressed confidence in the media and that journalism was a noble profession, which should not be let down.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Corps, Mr Mohammed Umar, had commended the speaker for his support for the media. He said the media team of the lower chamber should continue to do everything possible to remain professional in the discharge of its duties.
TBI Africa reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of award to the speaker in recognition of his support to the media.
