ZAMFARA GOVT TO ENACT LAWS AGAINST FAKE NEWS, SAYS GOV
MATAWALLE
The Zamfara State Government says it will enact laws to regulate social media against spread of fake news in the state.
Matawalle disclosed this in Gusau on Sunday at the inauguration of the newly elected state executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
Matawalle represented by the State Commissioner of Information, Malam Ibrahim Dosara added that the state ministry of information is working to enact legislation that will punish people who fabricate or propagate false information.
According to him, fake news has now become a tool in the hands of unscrupulous politicians who make a living out of seizing every opportunity to achieve political ends.
“The propagation of false information has, without a doubt, hindered our efforts to suppress banditry in
the State.
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“Fake news has been used to undermine our troops’ morale and turn some communities against the government.
“We are living at the most challenging period in the history of traditional media, despite its many benefits, social media has resulted in the spread of fake news, endangering peace and societal stability”, Matawalle said.
“My administration treats journalists with the utmost respect, in keeping with our democratic values.
“We have always had good working ties with media groups and unions of media practitioners.
“We have always done our best to safeguard and advance the interests of journalists like you”, he said.
“We shall maintain cordial ties with the media and engage with professional media bodies such as yours in order to achieve our goal of moving Zamfara State forward.
“I welcome our August visitors and National officers of the highly respected, influential and reputable association, the NAWOJ, to our dear state.
“My administration will continue to maintains an open-door policy that applies to people from all walks”, the gov explained.
Earlier, the Zonal (North West) Vice President NAWOJ, Hajiya Halima Musa commended the state government for its support to the media and women inclusive policies.
She charged the new NAWOJ executives in the state to be good ambassadors of the Union.
“You should work with all stakeholders in the fight against spread of fake news, gender based violence, child abuse and as well as encouraging school enrollment especially among vulnerable groups”, NAWOJ Zonal VP charged.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected NAWOJ Chairperson in the state Salamatu Abdullahi promised to run inclusive leadership and for the development of the state and country in general.
The newly inauguated executives include: Salamatu Abdullahi from NTA as Chairperson while Rukayya Salau from Zamfara Radio was elected as State NAWOJ Secretary.
Others include Nafisa Kanoma also from Zamfara Radio was elected as Vice Chairperson, Shafa’atu Shua’ibu from Legacy Newspaper as Treasurer and Fatima Dosara from Standard Voice TV was elected as Assistant Secretary.
Other executives were Nabila Khamis from Gamji TV as Financial Secretary while Farida Abdullahi from Liberty TV was elected as Auditor of the association.
