Media in the days of political hysteria

In many crisis situation, the casualty, as the saying goes, is the truth. And in relation to media the casualty is always both facts, accuracy and balance. This point is more pertinent in the days of I can describe as the days of political hysteria and desperation. It is at such times that the media […]

In many crisis situation, the casualty, as the saying goes, is the truth. And in relation to media the casualty is always both facts, accuracy and balance. This point is more pertinent in the days of I can describe as the days of political hysteria and desperation. It is at such times that the media has to vigilant and more thorough in preventing cases of invention of false stories, or mix up of facts with fiction for political reasons. A journalist is not a politician, and should not allow himself to be used for political expediency, no matter the price. 

This piece was motivated by a bitter experience. Some times in May this year one of the national dailies published a report (news) alleging that the senator representing Yobe north, who is also the leader of the red chamber was attacked by ‘his constituents’ comprising; Bade, Nguru, Machina, Karasuwa, Jakusko and Yusufari. According to that report, the attack was carried out by youths of Gasma, a village close to Gashua; the hometown of the senator. The writer of this story also quoted some names and mentioned places. Right from the onset one can sense the sinister motive of the reporter who usually reported from Maiduguri, although for this story readers trust was trampled upon because there was no indication of from where he reported. Did he based his report on telephone calls? This is one of the questions every reader will ask before taking in the long story that ended up portraying the people of Yobe north in bad light. Another achievement of that report was solely attacking Senator Ahmed Lawan by any means possible, to cast him in bad light. People always are entitled to their opinions, so if that story was news, not an opinion, it is scary that even as early as now, in some cases media or journalists can be used to do what lazy politicians could not achieve through fair play of the game. 

Although the senator can depend himself and this write-up was not meant to defend him, it is important to draw attention to the danger of manipulating the media or gullible journalists for political reasons. 

In journalism ‘facts’ and evidence are very important. A news item is supposed to be a factual reflection of what exactly happened. Balance is also critical in every media organization that has integrity. Balance, is the bottom line of fairness and objectivity; which are the key with which a media organization earns respect and trust of the people. If we take that story from factual perspective, it falls flat. On 20-21 May 2017 Senator Ahmed Lawan was in Daura, Katsina state, and was nowhere near Yobe or even Gasma. How can he be prevented from entering Gashua while he was in Daura attending a function? If we take the story from a perspective of balance it again failed. All through the story no mention was made of the senator’s side of the story. In journalism, one side is not enough to make a story. You have to get as many sides of the story as possible to give readers enough substance upon which they can make their own judgement. If Senator Ahmed Lawan was attacked isn’t it only fair to contact him or even attempt doing so, to hear his reaction to the supposed attack? His side of the story would have been the ideal thing that can give appearance of fairness to the story. But the reporter went to press with one sided story that lacked this important tenet of journalism: balance. 

The people of Yobe north are known to be politically matured and always active in choosing their leaders. Despite the volatility of this region, we are always known to be peaceful, and carry ourselves around with dignity and respect for our leaders. We have our own means of telling our leaders where they need to do more. In fact, we are culturally respectful people, we have no history of mob action or any form of thuggery. But the report trying to tarnish the image of Senator Ahmed Lawan also ended up portraying us as thugs and our youths reckless to the extent that they can block roads. How awful. We have every reason to be hurt that, for whatever motive someone can decide to make up a story that, to a large extent succeeded in casting us in bad light. We never had a history of thuggery or attacks on our leaders. Even the descriptions of Gasma and how the so-called attack happened suggests, it is a script, far looking like a plotless movie script. While not holding brief for the politician, it is important to say, again and again that, Senator Ahmed Lawan has been representing us at the National Assembly since 1999. He is one of few to have this enduring raking in Nigeria’s parliament. He has been and is still getting job opportunities for teeming youths. Some of our younger ones found themselves in good employment with potential for a bright future because of his employment scheme. He has been giving scholarships to his constituents and he gives so much priority to education by giving support in every way possible. How can a people attack such a leader? 

From another angle, one can sense political motive in that story of attack. The story itself is an attack, likely by those who feel their political career is threatened by the rising profile of Senator Ahmed Lawan. All through his years of service to the nation he has been in the forefront of dedication to his people and the nation. He was chairman of so some grade A committees at the lower and upper chamber of the national assembly. Senator Ahmed Lawan has been dedicated to the promotion of the principles of President Muhammadu Buhari’s politics of integrity and service to the people. No wonder President Buhari found him worthy of being his candidate for the senate presidency. Some may feel the only way to their dreams coming true is by sponsoring stories that can tarnish the image of the senator. He had never indicated any political intentions towards far away 2019 elections. So, why these attacks and why now? 

It is this case that makes it important for both journalists and the media to be more vigilant and more thorough in checking reports; by subjecting their content to scrutiny. As elections inch on, vigilance should be the key word for both media and journalists.

Gasma, wrote this piece from Karasuwa Local Government, Yobe State.