By Wisdom Deji-Folutile
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged the media to douse divisive remarks and uphold the peaceful co-existence of the country amid boiling inter-ethnic narratives in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections.
The Director General of the agency, Dr. Garba Abari, made the plea to journalists at a media parley hosted at Airport Hotel, Ikeja on Tuesday.
In the event themed, “Nigeria First: A Media Parley for Building National Cohesion and Peace”, Dr. Abari mentioned that efforts to “rebuild national cohesion” must involve all custodians of information, especially the media.
In his address, the DG mentioned that the NOA has organised engagements with media stakeholders in Abuja and Kano.
According to him, with Lagos being the “hub of the Nigerian media”, the state is seen as a gatekeeper of public opinion.
“Lagos media have often been seen as the gatekeepers of public opinion in our nation and so it is not surprising that we are here to engage with you.”
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Dr. Abari noted that an integral part of the agency’s mission is to build a nation of peace.
Citing the observed inter-ethnic division and ethnocentric sentiments that plagued the just concluded general elections, the DG however noted that “the culture of violence” was slowly fading.
“One of the challenges of our country is in managing the diversity of a big nation like ours. That challenge became even more burdensome during the national election as we had recently. We must commend ourselves as Nigerians because the culture of violence which usually follow our elections has begun to fade away.
“In fact, before the elections, going by the tone of political engagements, you would think that the nation was on its brink. Some naysayers have gone to the extent of describing the election as a make or mar event of our country. More than one month after the election, we have remained resolute on the path of peace and stability.”
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According to Dr. Abari, despite widespread reports of voter suppression and open threats, the 2023 elections were “one of the least violent elections in Nigeria.”
He, however, urged Nigerians at all levels of society to be patriotic and sensitive.
“It is at times like this that patriots, elder statesmen and women, men, and women of conscience who put country over self must rise up to be counted. Reasonable voices should be counted on the side of moderation, and temperate conversation. We must all be sensitive and circumspect in the things that we say, write, or show on our screens. I call on the major stakeholders in the political events that are unfolding to reign in their key supporters,” the NOA boss said.
Dr. Abari urged the media to “refrain from giving vent to the caustic, insultive narratives that characterized the campaigns”.
“The elections have come and gone and a new administration is set to assume office at the centre. This is a period for building bridges of understanding across the divide. We must all come to the realisation that we need a peaceful stable country to be able to practice our various vocations. The politicians who want to lead us at various levels now and in the future must realise that if we lose the peace that we enjoy today, if we descend into violence and chaos, if we engage in acts that can open doors for dark people with ulterior motives to take advantage and wreak havoc on our country, we will all be losers. It is by far easier to destroy than it is to build,” he said.
He urged the media to moderate conversations and report conflict with sensitivity.
“I have a special appeal to the media. You have a role to play now. Do not magnify the political narratives that divide our country and our people. Democracy is about the contest of ideas and was never meant to produce violent outcomes.
“Let us all work towards the peace that is so desirable for us and generations yet unborn,” he said.
In return, media stakeholders appreciated the efforts of the agency and urged the DG to step up efforts to educate and orientate Nigerians, especially the youth.
Newsmen at the parley urged the NOA to embark on widespread orientation campaigns, channeled primarily through social media, to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of fake news, cancel culture, and cyberbullying. Journalists at the event also urged the NOA to continue to listen to Nigerians and relay informed feedback to the government.
The 2023 General Elections have remained a forefront consideration despite the national and gubernatorial elections having taken place already.
Nigerians across the federation and in the diaspora have continued discussions on the aftermath of the elections, as well as criticism of the conduct of the elections and the political candidates.
Meanwhile, the President-elect of the Federation, Sen. Bola Tinubu, is expected to take the helm on May 29, 2023.
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