Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, stakeholders have charged all journalists in the country to avoid being purveyor of fake news in all its forms.

The stakeholders gave the charge against the menace of fake news at a one-day symposium for journalists organised by the Lagos State Police Command, themed: 2023 Elections: Fake News and Its Implication on Security.

They highlighted that fake news is a negative trend that must be nipped in the bud because of its potential to mar the 2023 General Election.

INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos State, Olusegun Agbaje noted that fake news poison the mind of the citizenry and could lead to breakdown of law and order.

He said the fake news is also a huge distraction to the Commission and other critical election stakeholders like the security agencies.

Reiterating the position of Department of State Services, DSS, Agbaje said the spread of fake news and hate speeches on social media poses the biggest threat to the 2023 general elections.

He discouraged the sharing of fake news along with incorrect and inflammatory commentary because of its capacity to lead to violence in the country.

The commissioner reiterated the DSS position, “What the media and every stakeholders must do is to ensure that the game is played according to rules.

According to him, Nigerians must avoid any act that promotes hate and disintegration and say no to separatist movement, terrorism, fake news, hate speech, religious bigotry and any act that tends to divide us as a nation.

In his words, Social media and fake news are biggest threat to human existence not only to elections, adding Fake news is major cause of violence in our society now. As journalists, you should always fact-check information before publishing. We must understand that Nigeria is the only country we have and every one must put hands on deck to ensure that there is peace.

He said the media should be up and doing in ensuring that peace is restored in the country. Slanting news to achieve ulterior motives should be avoided and I want to assure that the DSS won’t abdicate its responsibilities and would continue to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored.”

Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Abiodun Alabi who spoke through Deputy Commissioner of Police , Operations Basset Ewah said fake news is a menace that must be put in check.

He said the charge was informed by the alarming rate at which fake news has become ubiquitous to the point of raising global concerns, especially as elections approach.

According to him, Electoral disinformation, misinformation and the weaponisation of fake news along with incorrect and inflammatory commentaries pose a threat to national peace, security and stability.

He urged the media which is the watchdog of the society to ensure only verified information is disseminated via their platforms.

The Police Boss also urged all journalists to shun fake news, disinformation and misinformation to ensure fake-news-free election in Lagos State and the country at large.