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Information Under Siege: Bauchi Governor, Minister Warn Nigerians of Looming Fake News Disaster
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday raised alarm over the escalating dangers posed by fake news, misinformation, and disinformation to Nigeria’s unity and stability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Both leaders spoke at the third edition of the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture, themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.
In his address, Mohammed—represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa—likened the present threats of the digital age to the era of press suppression under colonial and military regimes.
“The digital age has opened the floodgates of information and misinformation. Social media has democratised speech but also diluted truth. Artificial intelligence now creates headlines, but who checks the heart behind them?” he asked.
He decried the growing pressure on editorial independence, warning that many media outlets now risk sacrificing truth for access to the deep pockets of politicians and corporate interests eager to control public narratives.
According to him, nation-building will remain a mirage unless the media recommit to its watchdog role—defending the rule of law, holding leaders accountable, promoting civic education, fostering national reconciliation, and embracing linguistic inclusion.
“The moment a society begins to ignore judicial decisions, it is on the path to lawlessness. No nation can survive selective justice. The media must call out every instance where court orders are flouted—not because of who is involved, but because of what is at stake: the soul of the republic.
Journalists must question every candidate, scrutinise every promise, and prioritise integrity over popularity. Leadership should be a contest of ideas, not identities,” he stressed.
Mohammed also urged the media to spearhead a Truth and Reconciliation Summit to confront historic grievances, while warning journalists to purge internal corruption and poor labour practices:
“The pen must remain clean to remain powerful.”
On his part, Information Minister Mohammed Idris—represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga—warned that unchecked fake news could one day “set the nation on fire.”
He condemned self-styled “citizen journalists” who exploit smartphones and internet access to spread unverified reports, cautioning trained professionals not to follow their lead.
“We now have all kinds of people calling themselves journalists. They have muddled things up.
Many cases of misinformation and disinformation are being pushed out in the name of professionalism. The Guild of Editors must ensure that those practicing journalism adhere strictly to the rules of engagement,” Idris said.
Citing a recent incident, Idris recalled how false reports claimed that Mohammed Babangida, son of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, had rejected a government appointment—claims Babangida later debunked in person.
“Many of us shared or reprinted that lie. Don’t retweet or publish anything you see on social media without verification. Fake news travels fast, and by the time you retract it, many would have believed the falsehood,” he warned.
Other speakers at the event included Mr. Joseph Adeyeye (Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The PUNCH), Prof. Lai Olurode (former INEC National Commissioner), Mr. Femi Adesina (former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Buhari), Mrs. Funke Egbemode (former NGE President), and Mr. Emeka Izeze (former MD/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian).
Also in attendance were Mrs. Sikirat Jakande (widow of the late Jakande), Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu (former Lagos Deputy Governor), Mr. Eze Anaba (NGE President), Mr. Gbenga Omotoso (Lagos Commissioner for Information), Mr. Kayode Akinmade (Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media), Mr. Michael Effiong (SSA to Governor Umo Eno on Lagos Liaison), and Mr. Lade Bunuola (Founding Editor, The Guardian).
Chairing the occasion, Prof. Olurode noted that the core challenge confronting Nigeria is not ethnic or religious division but rather a persistent “poverty of leadership.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the party made its position known during an emergency press conference in Ilorin on Friday, describing the development as politically motivated and unjust.
PDP spokesman, Comrade Olushola Adewara, said the alleged plan to reopen the case amounts to an attempt to politicise a matter that has already been concluded by the courts.
He alleged that the move was targeted at dragging Saraki into a case in which, according to him, legal authorities had previously found no evidence linking him to the incident.
Adewara referenced earlier legal opinions from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which reportedly stated that Saraki was not connected to the robbery case.
The party insisted that suspects in the case had already been prosecuted and convicted, with judgments upheld at appellate levels, while the matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
PDP urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to focus on governance rather than what it described as attempts to revive old political narratives.
It also called on security agencies to monitor the situation closely, warning that such actions could heighten political tension in the state.
The party further appealed to residents, especially families of victims in Offa, not to allow their pain to be used for political purposes.
Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Alli, who serves under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration on Friday during a formal event held at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.
The APC chieftain and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland said he will be running on the platform of his party.
The event attracted thousands of APC leaders, stakeholders, and members, including top political figures such as Senator Yunus Akintunde, House of Representatives members Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Tajudeen Abisodun, and Senator Hamzat Adeseun.
Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.
Alli said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was driven by his desire to advance the development of Oyo State.
He noted his past political experience, including serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and Secretary to the Oyo State Government under Senator Rasidi Ladoja, as well as his current role in the Senate, where he said he has consistently advocated for his constituents.
According to him, his ambition is focused on delivering better governance and moving the state forward.
A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that Showunmi made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.
He called for a broad political coalition involving opposition parties and grassroots groups to challenge what he described as the failures of dominant political forces in the state.
Showunmi argued that political parties may choose or endorse candidates, but insisted such arrangements must not deny voters a genuine electoral choice.
He said: “I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election. I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee… to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen.”
He also questioned whether Ogun State would experience a “coronation” or a competitive election process, urging stakeholders to allow open political contest.
The PDP chieftain noted that Ogun West’s long-standing exclusion from producing a governor is a legitimate grievance, but stressed that aspirations must still be tested through competition.
He advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, rejecting “money politics” and challenging aspirants to public debates on governance.
Showunmi maintained that he has no history of violence or political thuggery, insisting the election should be centred on ideas and development plans for the state.
In response, IPAC leadership and other political actors at the event called for collaboration and careful selection of leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
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