Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has said his administration would continue to work with journalists, as partners and critical allies, in his determination to entrench transparency, accountability and openness in governance in the state.
Yahaya stated this in his goodwill message to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day, through the Director of Press, Government House, Ismaila Misilli, on Tuesday.
While referring to the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Journalism under digital siege’, he underscored the impact of the digital era on the freedom of the press, the security of journalists and access to information, advising them to guard against fake news and misinformation as well as ensure accurate and balanced reportage of events and activities.
Yahaya noted that despite obvious challenges and risks faced by journalists in this circumstance, they must continue to remain steadfast and avoid being used as tools in the hands of desperate politicians and mischief makers to cause distress and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The governor said, “As watchdogs of the society and voice of the people, Journalists must continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by promoting the ideals of democracy, justice, accountability, peace and unity as well as updating the general public on developments around the world through their reportage and editorial policies.”
He assured working journalists in the state that his administration would continue to support the free flow of information and ensure pressmen were allowed to do their work in an atmosphere that is safe and secure.
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