Worried by the spate of corruption in major sectors of the country the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA Resource Centre, Media Rights Group, Journalists for Democratic Rights, JODER, and anti graft agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission, ICPC, are seeking proffer solutions to this menace.
HEDA, JODER and ICPC said that there should be a collaborative effort of all stakeholders, in which the media would play a pivotal role, to find a lasting solution before it escalates beyond measures.
At a Media Training organised by HEDA in collaboration with JODER, supported by Mac-Arthur Foundation at Colossus Hotel, Lagos, with the theme, “ Building Public Ownership for Transparency and Accountability In Governance and Service Delivery”, Journalists were charged to be more proactive in bringing corrupt persons to book and exposing them without fear or prejudice.
Executive Secretary, HEDA, Sulaimon Arigbabu, said that corruption has become worse in the country, and added that there should be collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to remedy the situation.
Arigbabu lamented the high exodus of Nigerians to other countries but warned that many of those countries are getting saturated and may not want more Nigerians.
He decried the growing socioeconomic challenges, adding that they are global issues.
He said: “There is global socio, economic and political crisis. It is not just in Nigeria. But why Nigeria’s case is dire and serious is that while in other countries, citizens and governments are struggling to ease things, corruption will not allow us.
He stressed that over two decades, Nigerians have not had any reprieve from corruption, rather, it is getting worse by the day, adding that the only silver lining is that some people are still committed to the transparency, growth and corruption-free Nigeria.
In the same vein, Executive Director, JODER, Adewale Adeoye, said it was necessary to change the narratives as media practitioners and Journalists by carrying out thorough investigations with facts, accuracy and not assumptions and hearsay, by exposing corrupt persons in the society, with the law taking its cause, it will reduce corruption in the nation.
“As Journalists, having a corrupt free society is achievable only if the Fourth Estate of the Realm don’t rest on its oars, but continue to put out political leaders into checks and asking tough provoking questions that will bring about transparency in their doings”.
Adeoye further argued that corruption has both local and international dimensions, which focus on the life of the people, observing sadly that investigation into corruption cases in Nigeria had reduced.
“We don’t do much investigation on corruption cases, which could have strengthened the fight against corruption,” Adeoye said.
He, therefore, charged media outfits in Nigeria to come up with agenda on how to fight corruption and be more responsive in the fight against menace.
The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, who was represented by Hadiza Rimi, the Principal Superintendent of the commission, called for more efforts to rid the country of corruption.
Aliyu said: “It is an honour to address such a distinguished audience today. The topic we are gathered to discuss is “Training on Ethics and Professionalism in the Coverage of Corruption for Nigeria Journalists, Online Media and Bloggers.” This is coming at a pivotal point in the realm of media and journalism.
“In a society like ours, plagued by the persuasive issue of corruption, the role of the media is of paramount importance. The responsibility entrusted to journalists, online media.
“Professionals and bloggers to cover corruption stories go beyond merely reporting events. It extends to the very foundation of ethical reporting, which must be upheld with the highest standards of professionalism”.
Speaking further, the ICPC boss said, “We are at a crossroads where the power of the media can either expose the truth, incite change, foster accountability, inadvertently contribute to misinformation, and perpetuate biases that will eventually undermine the people’s trust.
“Ethical journalism in the coverage of corruption demands a commitment to truth, accuracy, and fairness. It necessitates the careful navigation of a complex landscape, where the integrity of the story and the dignity of those involved are preserved. It is about holding the powerful accountable while respecting the rights of individuals and providing balanced, well-investigated information.
“In Nigeria, the challenges are manifold. Corruption often intertwines with societal, political, and economic structures. As media professionals, the weight of this responsibility is immense. Your words can shape public opinion, influence policy, and drive change.
“Training on ethics and professionalism in covering corruption stories is not just a mere workshop or a set of guidelines. It's a commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and adherence to the highest moral standards. It is not about fostering a culture of integrity within the media industry.
“As you delve deeper into these matters, remember that public trust is a fragile but essential asset. Upholding ethical reporting standards, verified sources, fact-checking, and respecting privacy are the cornerstones that fortify this trust.
“Today’s workshop isn’t just a momentary gathering; it is a collective step towards shaping a new narrative that upholds truth, integrity, and accountability. Your role in shaping this narrative is not just a duty but a privilege that demands the utmost respect for the profession and the society you serve.
“I urge each one of you to embrace this responsibility with sincerity, dedication, and a continuous quest for improvement. Let the lessons learned today be the building blocks of more informed, ethical, and responsible journalism in Nigeria.”
At the Training, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government was urged to fish out Nigerian collaborators in the $11bn arbitration award P&ID sought to get from Nigeria, arguing that the fact that the court ruled in favour of Nigeria should not be the end of the case.
Sam Olukoya of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, one of the Facilitators at the Training, said the P&ID case should not be closed like that, because the judgment In Nigeria’s favour, demanded that rather, the Federal Government should go after Nigerians who connived with the company, to defraud the country.
“ P&ID matter has not closed, rather it has just started, who are the collaborators? People should be made accountable. The case must have happened at a high level. Who are the people involved?” he queried.
“It is a story that would have damaged Nigeria. We should hold everybody accountable. We should go a step further to know what transpired,” Olukoya said.
Speaking further, Olukoya said journalists in Nigeria should be concerned about issues of corruption as, according to him, the country has a lot of money looted and traced abroad.
“We have several cases of corruption involving multinational companies working in Nigeria and such corruption discovered outside Nigeria,” he said.
Kabir Alabi Garba, the Weekend Editor of Guardian Newspaper and also a Facilitator at the Training noted that media don’t do a follow-up when they publish corruption cases, saying that accounted for why many corruption cases were swept under the carpet.
Garuba, who was represented by Gbenga Salah, sadly observed that the Halliburton scandal was swept under the carpet in Nigeria, argued that he saw no reason why those found guilty over the case abroad would be given punitive treatment and their accomplice in Nigeria would be left off the hook.
He said these are the reasons why corruption is growing by the day in this part of the country as justice is not been served to those found culpable and guilty.
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