Chinedum Elekwachi
Commissioner for Information, Anambra state, Dr Law Mefor has warned residents against fake news, hate speech and other forms of misinformation ahead of November 8 governorship election.
Mefor who gave the warning while hosting members of the Social and Integral Development Center (SIDEC) described fake news as poisonous while purveyors were worse than criminals.
He stressed that keeping the cyberspace safe from pollution remained a collective and civic responsibility of all citizens irrespective of social status or political affiliations.
He said, “To appreciate dangers of fake news, you need to understand why lies is considered both a moral sin and crime.
“Lies alters reality and leads to serious miscalculations and decisions that can end mankind. In elections, losers make winners appear fake through their false narratives. The consequences is too grave.
“For me, purveyors of fake news are as dangerous as kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, yahoo plus and should be made to face the full wrath of the law because of the serious danger they pose.
If in doubt, don’t post
Mefor explained, “As a journalist, there’s what we call the golden rule, “if you’re in doubt, leave out”.
“Any information you forward means endorsement of the message. That’s why you need to authenticate any message before sharing.
“As citizens, we have civic responsibility of keeping the cyberspace safe for us and society.
“Don’t pollute the space in the name of content creation or traffic generation. That’s criminality. It’s not only when you carry gun that you’re criminal.”
While commending SIDEC team for its efforts in ensuring massive turnout of voters, particularly the marginalized groups during the November poll, Mefor assured government’s support.
He also urged the group to reach out to the opposition parties who he accused of fomenting trouble before, during and after elections.
“Ndigbo generally and Ndị Anambra in particular scarcely participate in elections regardless of prevailing circumstances.
“There’s this disconnect between them and government as many feel they have no business with governance. Hence, the challenge of holding government accountable.
“That’s why we need to enlighten our people to get them participate in elections. We’ll do our best to support you, including assisting you with staff for effective media coverage,” he added.
Visiting for partnership
Earlier, Executive Director, SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike said her team was in the ministry to seek partnership in information management and dissemination ahead of the election, under Project IMPACT.
She listed other areas of collaboration as countering disinformation, digital outreach, stakeholder engagements and media support.
“Project IMPACT means Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation implemented by Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Partnership with SIDEC, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“It’s also a civic inclusion initiative aimed at increasing the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance in Anambra and Imo States,” she added.
Ehiahuruike expressed optimism that the partnership would enhance voter awareness and turnout among marginalized groups.
She also looks forward to the project also reducing the spread of electoral disinformation and strengthen advocacy for policy reforms.
“The partnership will also strengthen the Special Seats Bill for increased representation and empower Community Truth Ambassadors contributing to fact-checking and information integrity.
“We believe that collaboration will further amplify Project IMPACT’s efforts toward a more inclusive election in Anambra State,” she stressed.
