Government Agencies partner CSOs To Address Fake News
Government agencies and Civil Society Organizations have formed a committee to address the spread of fake news in the country. This was the outcome of the 2nd National Roundtable on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Officials, held on Wednesday in Abuja. The effort is to address the escalating menace of fake news […]
Government agencies and Civil Society Organizations have formed a committee to address the spread of fake news in the country.
This was the outcome of the 2nd National Roundtable on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Officials, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The effort is to address the escalating menace of fake news and blackmail.
The Chairman of Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), Mr. Adams Otakwu, who delivered the opening address, highlighted the critical need for immediate action on the issue.
The event, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and featuring a keynote address by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, led to the creation of the National Fake Tracker, a tool, which underscores the necessity of a coordinated response to tackle misinformation and blackmail.
Despite these advancements, Otakwu said that the resurgence of fake news and blackmail by individuals and groups posing as civil society organizations continues to threaten national security.
He said, “These entities disseminate false accusations and malicious petitions, often extorting bribes, contracts, or appointments in exchange for silence.”
Otakwu condemned these unethical practices, highlighting their detrimental impact on the nation’s stability.
The roundtable saw active participation from high-ranking representatives of various government agencies, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and the armed forces.
Participants unanimously condemned the proliferation of fake news and blackmail, pledging to collaborate through a ‘Whole of Society’ approach to address these threats effectively.
Professor Godswill Nnaji, a scholar, who presented al paper on international laws against fake news and blackmail, cited successful implementations in Germany, Singapore, and France.
He emphasized the importance of stringent legislation and public education campaigns in Nigeria to combat misinformation and raise awareness about its dangers.