By Lawrence Audu
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has described the new media as a force for good governance and the development of Democracy by virtue of it’s ability to hold leaders to account.
Ambassador Buratai made the remarks while speaking at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers GOCOP in Abuja.
The former Army Chief who was represented by his Special Adviser on Research and Documentation and Acting Director, Tukur Buratai Research Centre, Dr. MS Abubakar averred that he has always admired the dynamism of the online media in their reach, penetration, speed and resilience.
In his words: As we all consider the media to be the fourth estate of the realm, then the online component of the media should be compared to the Infantry Corps of an Army.
“To an Army, the Infantry is the Queen of Battle. Therefore I see the Online Publisher as the Queen of the Media. Real power revolves around the Queen.”
General Buratai stated further that, the Online media, in contrast to traditional or print media, is capable of reaching millions of people all over the world in a matter of minutes with just one click.
The online media he said, has made a significant contribution to informing, educating, and entertaining of the general public due to its inexpensive nature.
While appreciating the versatility of the Online Media, Buratai was quick to point out certain unwanted trends which includes widespread use of propaganda, half-truths, invented lies, and fake news which is a regrettable unintended consequences of this advancement.
He called on the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers to checkmate those who practice deviations from its corporate objectives by standing and ensuring that ethical standards and professionalism are respected by all practitioners in the online media.
“I have a firm conviction that the online media is a genuine instrument for the consolidation of our nation’s social fabric, the promotion of forward movement, the maintenance of peace and security, and the growth of our economy.
“Therefore, GOCOP should continue to assist us in sanitizing and standardizing the online media space to make it healthier and more effective.
“This vital domain will not be ceded to fifth columnists, bigots, and blackmailers.
“This does not preclude the use of online media to expose corruption and injustice and advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said it is the responsibility of the media to ensure that the truth is told always especially as it affects accountability in governance.
“As Guild of Online Corporate Publishers, you have the responsibility to ensure that you report not only the truth but to help government officials to also tell the truth.
“It is a responsibility that you have to uphold because there is gradual erosion of the confidence people have on those in government
He further tasked the media to positively project the image of the country to the outside world, to attract direct foreign investment.
The event which had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, The Chief of Air Staff who was represented by the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, featured the swearing in of the new Excos and induction of new members.
