By HENRIETTA OYAKHILOME
THE Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has cautioned Nigerian editors against the dangers of sensational reporting, saying that media narratives can either strengthen or destroy public trust in democracy.
Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja, Uzodimma said while editors hold the pen, their framing of news stories influences public perception of government, elections, and national unity.
“A policy shift can be reported as ‘Government U-turn’ or ‘Strategic Adaptation’; the same facts, but entirely different public perceptions,” he noted.
He described sensational headlines and divisive coverage as “fast-tracking the downfall of a country,” urging editors to prioritise accuracy, context, and national interest over speed and virality.
The governor called for journalism that “informs without inflaming” and “holds power accountable without portraying democracy as doomed.”
Governor Uzodimma praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, saying that they are restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s global financial standing.
He said editors should amplify facts that inspire national confidence rather than narratives that promote despair, citing economic data showing that Nigeria’s $2.35 billion Eurobond was oversubscribed by $10.65 billion, with a 43 per cent increase in stock market transactions and 163 per cent growth in foreign portfolio investment.
According to him, “When you amplify facts showing that reforms are working, you build confidence and inspire optimism ahead of 2027,” Uzodimma said.
He maintained that responsible journalism plays a key role in fostering national cohesion, adding that the media must balance its watchdog role with a duty to promote stability and unity.
“You can hold government accountable without portraying every challenge as proof of national failure,” he added.
