By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Journalists in Nigeria have been urged to strictly abide by the code of ethics of the profession.
The Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Albasu Kunini stated this while hosting Journalists at the end of the year dinner in Jalingo.
“Media Practioners should endeavor at all times to be decouros and dispassionate by observing the code of ethics of Nigerian Journalists.
“Media Practioners should shun all forms of yellow Journalism which emphasizes sensationalism over facts, as in the case of new or social media which do not report news with facts, but emblish such with exaggerated fact and pending rumors on personalities and knotty national issues.
He pointed out that for a democratic country to operate its full potential, the participation of the public is imperative and that successful circulation of Information to the masses cannot be complete without the Press.
“Perhaps, it is because of the pivotal role that the Media play that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as ammended) made provision in section 22 that: The Press, Radio, Television and other Agencies of the Mass Media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundermental objectives contain in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.
He said that governance is imperative for the social, Political and economic progress of every state or country.
“We in Taraba State House of Assembly have decided to adopt the cordial relationship with the Executive, since we all have a common goal i.e. delivery of the divident of democracy to the people that elected us.
The Speaker said that the dinner concided with his One year in office as the Speaker Taraba State House of Assembly.
“Before my one year in office, I sponsored and presented a bill tittle: The Taraba State Violence and Discimination against persons (Prohibition) bill 2020, which contains Fourty three chapters has undergone first reading and I am passionate to see it passed into Law soonest.
He disclose that there are series of punishment of offenders on cases such as, sexual intercourse against the order of nature, include imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years without option of fine.
“Some of the offences include: circumcision of girl woman, forced isolation from family and friends, harmful traditional practices and sexual abuse. Others are sexual assult, exploitation and harassment, trafficking amongst others.
He said the offences when passed law, are liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not exceeding four years or a fine of N500,000 or both.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade David Nya appreciated the Speaker Taraba State House of Assembly for his gesture of dinning with Journalists.
According to him, Journalists and Taraba State House of Assembly have a common goal of propagating government activities, adding that the Union will partners with the House of Assembly to promote democracy and development of the state.
He disclose that the Union have set up a displinary committee have been set up to correct misinformation and fake news amongst others.
“The NUJ in the state would always remember you sir.
He appreciated the House of Assembly for their efforts in intervining on series of crises that engulf the state in the past.
Also speaking, the Chairman Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Adamu Sadiq commend the Speaker for hosting Journalists annually.
“You are the first person in the history of this House of Assembly to initiate this laudable program of hosting Journalists to a dinner annualy.
“This has not been done since the creation of the state in August 27th, 1991 from defund Gongola state by the General Babangida administration.
He assured the Speaker of effective reportage to enable him succeed and for the development of the state.
The occasion featured the onvailing of the house journal THE GRAVEL.
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