The Zamfara State government has said that it will enact laws to regulate the social media against spread of fake news in the state.
The Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, disclosed this in Gusau on Sunday at the inauguration of the newly-elected executives of the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ.
Matawalle, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Ibrahim Dosara, added that the ministry is working to enact legislation that will punish people who fabricate or propagate false information.
He averred that 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.
Matawalle said, “The propagation of false information has, without doubt, hindered our efforts to suppress banditry in the state.
“Fake news has been used to undermine our troops’ morale and turn some communities against the government.
“We are living in 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.
“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 practitioners.
“We have always done our best to safeguard and advance the interests of journalists like you.
“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.”
Welcoming the “august visitors and the national officers of the highly respected, influential and reputable association, the NAWOJ,” to the state, the governor said, “My administration will continue to maintain an open-door policy that applies to people from all walks of life.”
Speaking earlier, the North-West Zonal Vice President of NAWOJ, Hajiya Halima Musa, commended the state government for its support for the media and women inclusive policies.
She charged the new NAWOJ executives in the state to be good ambassadors of the union.
She said, “You should work with all stakeholders in the fight against the spread of fake news, gender-based violence, child abuse, as well as encouraging school enrollment, especially among vulnerable groups.”
In her acceptance speech, the newly-elected NAWOJ chairperson in the state, Salamatu Abdullahi, promised to run inclusive administration and work for the development of the state and country in general.
The newly-inaugurated executives of Zamfara State NAWOJ include: Salamatu Abdullahi of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, as chairperson, while Rukayya Salau from Zamfara Radio was elected state Secretary.
Others include: Nafisa Kanoma, also from Zamfara Radio, Vice Chairperson; Shafa’atu Shua’ibu, from Legacy Newspaper, Treasurer; Fatima Dosara, from Standard Voice TV, Assistant Secretary; Nabila Khamis, from Gamji TV, Financial Secretary; and Farida Abdullahi, from Liberty TV, Auditor.
