Amidst rising concerns over the impact of fake news, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has called upon the Federal Government to regulate the content on social media platforms in Nigeria. The governor, decorated as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), emphasized the need for censorship to curb the spread of misinformation while promoting objective journalism.
Governor Bago, following in the footsteps of other political figures like Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed his support for regulated social media during the NUJ event. NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzo, recognized Bago's exemplary leadership, citing transformative efforts in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, governance, and education.
Addressing the vital role of journalism in societal development, Bago urged journalists to act as watchdogs, ensuring objectivity in their reporting. He underscored the importance of combating fake news and hate speech through social media censorship.
The governor praised NUJ for the honor, viewing it as a benchmark for continued dedication to Niger State's transformation. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ongoing efforts in various sectors.
The call for social media regulation reflects a broader national discourse on balancing free expression and curbing misinformation, with political figures increasingly advocating for measures to address the challenges posed by digital communication platforms.