Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has lamented how social media and a section of the conventional media is being used to threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
The governor, who voiced out his concerns at a dinner he organised to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day on Saturday at the Government House, Jos, said some Nigerians were using social media to propagate their personal interests at the detriment of upholding the democratic values of Nigeria.
“It is expedient for me to draw attention to the worrying situation where a section of the conventional media and to a large extent the social media are becoming a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“People who want to pursue their personal interests are using some sections of the media irresponsibility.
“They go about propagating falsehood, fake news, incitement and refusing to abide by professional code of ethics.
“Sometimes, when you follow what some people put in the social media, you wonder whether they believe in Nigeria,” Lalong said.
Charging Nigerians to be responsible, careful and guard the country’s democracy jealously, Lalong expressed optimism that Nigeria would not disintegrate contrary to the negative narratives infiltrating the polity.
“Nigeria will not collapse or disintegrate. Let us not dwell on our ethnic, religious, political and ideological differences but embrace our diversity which is our greatest strength.
“When we stand together and promote justice, equity, fairness and tolerance to one another, there will be no limit to the greatness of Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
