Prominent politician Segun Showunmi has called on Nigerian journalists to remain vigilant and avoid amplifying false claims promoted by political opponents, warning that unchecked misinformation poses a serious threat to the stability of the country.
Speaking in a message directed at media practitioners, according to The Guardian Nigeria News, Showunmi emphasised the critical role the press plays in maintaining national stability. He urged reporters and editors not to permit opposition elements to throw Nigeria into chaos through dishonest narratives and fabricated reports.
Showunmi maintained that responsible journalism must stand as a shield against political manipulation. He stressed that allowing unverified and misleading statements to dominate public discourse could stir unrest and harm the nation's democratic foundation.
The warning comes amid ongoing heated political debates across Nigeria, where public figures frequently accuse their rivals of weaponising false information to gain an advantage. Media organisations continue to face public calls from leaders and political figures to balance critical reporting with rigorous fact-checking.
Showunmi underscored that the media carries an essential duty to protect the public from dangerous propaganda, urging newsrooms nationwide to place accuracy, national harmony, and ethical reporting above sensationalism.
