In a bid to enhance the fight against corruption in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other key stakeholders have called for the urgent passage of a whistleblower protection law.
The law, they argue, will safeguard journalists and others who report corrupt practices, allowing for more fearless and effective corruption reporting.
This call was made at the end of a one-day workshop held in Abuja, themed “Power of the Pen in the Fight Against Corruption” The workshop was organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the NUJ and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
A joint communique was issued, signed by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu-Aliyu, SAN, and NUJ President, Christopher Isiguzo, emphasising the critical role of journalists in combating corruption and the need for their protection.
The stakeholders underscored that journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate, are indispensable in the fight against corruption, which they described as risky and fraught with challenges.
"A whistleblower protection law would mitigate the risks journalists face in the line of duty," they stated, stressing that the safety and security of journalists and citizens who expose corruption must be prioritised.
They further highlighted that corruption hampers economic development, exacerbates poverty, and is perpetuated by weak national institutions. Journalists, in their view, are key players in exposing these systemic issues and mobilizing public support against corruption.
The communique urged media organisations to go beyond merely publishing reports on corrupt individuals, by also celebrating stories of integrity and good governance. It encouraged the media to fully utilize the Freedom of Information Act and the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy to work alongside the ICPC in ensuring corruption-free local government areas (LGAs).
Additionally, media houses were advised to refrain from placing undue pressure on journalists who are investigating significant corruption cases. The stakeholders cautioned against forcing reporters to abandon such stories in the national interest.
The communique also called for a thorough investigation into Nigeria’s pension system, urging the ICPC to address concerns about pension mismanagement and alleviate workers’ fears of an uncertain future post-retirement. By ensuring the pension system operates transparently, workers may be less inclined to engage in corrupt practices during their service years.
A crucial point was raised regarding the role of the media in combating fake news, particularly online misinformation. The NUJ, online publishers, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors were called upon to monitor and counter the activities of fake news purveyors. The ICPC was also urged to collaborate with rural-based radio stations to promote ethical reorientation, especially in underserved communities.
Lastly, the communique advocated for better wages for journalists, stating that improved compensation would reduce the temptation of financial inducements and encourage investigative journalism. Fair pay, they argued, would embolden journalists to take on the risks involved in exposing corruption.
The workshop was attended by 67 local and foreign journalists, civil society organizations, and prominent panelists, all of whom agreed that collaboration between the media, government, and anti-corruption agencies is vital for sustained progress in the fight against corruption
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