By Awwal Umar Kontagora Hassan Salihu of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged online j...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Hassan Salihu of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged online journalists to focus on reporting developmental issues rather than sensational topics that could escalate conflicts.
Salihu, the ICPC Anti-Corruption Commissioner, made this statement during a one-day training session for Kano Online Journalists, organized by the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ). The training, themed ‘Effective Reportage of ICPC’s Operations and Initiatives,’ emphasized the importance of fighting corruption as a collective responsibility for all Nigerians.
Salihu highlighted the role of online journalists in raising public awareness about the dangers of corruption, which he said is hindering the country’s progress economically, politically, and socially. He noted that online media is the fastest way to disseminate news to the public.
Kano Resident Commissioner of ICPC, Barrister Ibrahim Abubakar Kaugama, who was represented by Abubakar Jibril, stated that the training was approved by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Commission and online journalists. Jibril discussed the ICPC’s engagement with the media, categorizing information into Basic, Confidential, and Classified, and elaborated on the ICPC Act, 2000, which empowers the Commission to conduct its operations.
The Commissioner also explained the general definition of corruption as abuse of entrusted power for undue gain, according to Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000. He outlined the Commission’s achievements from 2019 to 2023, including organizational reforms, capacity assessment, improved administrative oversight, and upgrades to forensic investigative infrastructure.
In his remarks, Yakubu Salisu, Chairman of ASKOJ, mentioned that the association, established in 2020, aims to unite professional online journalists in the state and uphold journalistic ethics. He emphasized the importance of this engagement in fulfilling Chapter 2, Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the press to ensure government accountability.
Salisu highlighted that the session was part of ongoing efforts to enhance the professional competence of ASKOJ members and balance the responsibility of holding public officials accountable with individual rights in news reporting.
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