By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yangien Timothy Ornguga, has warned journalists against publishing unverified or defamatory reports, saying offenders could face litigation and heavy compensation.
Ornguga said journalists and media organisations must ensure that information published was accurate, balanced and objective, particularly reports capable of inciting the public and creating unnecessary tension in the state.
The Attorney General gave the warning on Friday when members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice in Makurdi.
He urged journalists to resist attempts by individuals or groups to use the media to disseminate false information about the justice sector or government activities with the intention of damaging reputations.
“Coming to the Ministry today will enable you get true information about the activities of the Ministry and the justice sector,” he said.
Ornguga advised journalists to verify information before publication, stressing that reporters and media organisations could face legal consequences when they publish false or defamatory reports.
“Ensure that information you gathered are verified before going to the press to avoid litigation, where the onus of proof resides with the reporter, with subsequent heavy compensation,” he cautioned.
He called on professional bodies, including the Correspondents Chapel and the NUJ, to develop strategies for educating journalists and the public on fake news, its consequences and the legal implications for perpetrators.
“Benue State is our state and if it collapses because of fake news, no one will be exempted,” the commissioner maintained.
The Attorney General also urged journalists to utilise their constitutional responsibility of information gathering and dissemination to educate and sensitise the public on the laws and regulations governing the state.
He noted that government could not operate in a vacuum, stressing the importance of effective communication among the government, the media and the people.
Ornguga expressed satisfaction with the visit by members of the Correspondents Chapel, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the media for the development of Benue State and the benefit of future generations.
The commissioner also highlighted some achievements recorded by the ministry under his leadership, including efforts to improve access to justice for citizens, the establishment of a website for the ministry—the first since its creation—and improved working relations with the judiciary.
Other achievements, according to him, include the construction of a befitting secretariat for the Ministry of Justice, payment of workers’ salary arrears and installation of internet facilities at the ministry.
Ornguga attributed the achievements to the support of the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, whom he said had consistently provided the ministry with the necessary support and attention to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
