The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on online journalists to prioritize developmental reporting to strengthen the fight against corruption, rather than producing content that could escalate tensions in the country.
This call was made by Mr. Hassan Salihu, the ICPC Anti-Corruption Commissioner, today during a one-day training for Kano online journalists, organized by the Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ) under the theme, “Effective Reportage of ICPC’s Operation and Initiatives.”
In his presentation titled “Online Media and ICPC Information Management Process and Policy,” Salihu emphasized that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility and a sacred duty for all Nigerian citizens.
He highlighted the significant role online journalists play in raising public awareness about the dangers of corruption, which he said is holding the country back economically, politically, and socially. He also noted that online media is the fastest means of disseminating news to the public.
Speaking at the event, the Kano Resident Commissioner of ICPC, Barrister Ibrahim Abubakar Kaugama, explained that the training was authorized by the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between online journalists and the Commission.
Represented by Abubakar Jibril, Kaugama discussed the ICPC’s engagement with the media, categorizing information as basic, confidential, and classified.
He also elaborated on Section 6, Subsection E of the ICPC Act, 2000, which empowers the Commission to conduct its operations according to specific guidelines. Furthermore, he provided a general definition of corruption as outlined in Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000.
“Corruption is generally referred to as the abuse of entrusted power or position for conferring undue gain or benefit to another,” Kaugama explained.
He also highlighted some of the Commission’s achievements from 2019 to 2023, including organizational reforms, capacity assessments, improved administrative oversight, the utilization and optimization of forensic investigative infrastructure, and the upgrade of new interview rooms.
In his remarks, the Chairman of ASKOJ, Yakubu Salisu, provided background on the association, which was established in 2020 with the goal of uniting professional online journalists in Kano State under one umbrella to ensure coordination and uphold journalistic ethics such as truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability.
“Our engagement today with the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is in fulfillment of Chapter 2, Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which empowers the press to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people,” Salisu stated.
“As members of the fourth estate, the public relies heavily on us for timely and accurate dissemination of information about government, governance, policies, and other relevant matters that concern their lives and livelihood.”
Salisu further noted that the session was part of ongoing efforts to empower ASKOJ members with the necessary information to enhance their professional competence and ability to strike a balance between holding public officeholders accountable and respecting individual rights in news reporting.
