Standing Truth on Its Head: The Need for Professionalism in Journalism
The Nigerian Code of Ethics for Journalists reminds practitioners that journalism entails a high degree of public trust and requires journalists and news organisations to uphold high professional and ethical standards.
This principle remains the foundation of credibility, integrity and public confidence in the media.
It is against this background that attempts to tarnish the reputation of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, through allegations and narratives circulated on social media deserve careful scrutiny.
One of those making such claims is Nanyak Daman, a publisher associated with various publications.
While everyone has the right to express an opinion, it is important to distinguish between the responsibilities of a publisher and those of a journalist, as well as the professional structures that govern journalism.
Publishers are not automatically members of the NUJ simply by virtue of owning or being associated with media organisations.
The NUJ is a professional body whose activities and leadership are principally concerned with journalists and the practice of journalism.
There is also an important distinction between the role of a publisher and that of a reporter.
A publisher generally oversees the business and editorial direction of a media organisation, while reporters and correspondents are assigned to cover events, gather information and produce news reports.
For instance, it would be unrealistic to expect President Bola Tinubu, who is associated with The Nation, to personally attend every event that the newspaper covers.
The same principle applies to other established media organisations.
The debate, therefore, should not be about who physically attends every event, but about whether those covering events are properly identified, professionally qualified and operating within accepted journalistic standards.
More importantly, anyone who publicly lectures others on journalism, politics and professional conduct should be prepared to subject his own public record and affiliations to the same level of scrutiny.
Daman has publicly associated himself with political causes, including support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
There is nothing inherently wrong with supporting a political candidate or expressing political views. However, political advocacy and independent journalism are distinct activities, and the distinction should remain clear.
It has also been reported that Daman previously served as public relations manager for the gubernatorial campaign of Dr. Patrick Dakum. Again, political participation is a legitimate democratic right.
However, such affiliations naturally invite questions about how individuals position themselves when commenting on matters involving journalism, politics and public officials.
There have also been previous controversies involving Daman and other prominent figures in Plateau State. Such matters, where they form part of the public record, should be discussed responsibly and based on verifiable facts rather than used as weapons for personal attacks.
The central issue, however, should remain the integrity of journalism.
The NUJ is a professional organisation that engages with journalists, government officials, civil society organisations, political actors and members of the public. Association with different individuals or institutions should not automatically be interpreted as political endorsement or evidence of wrongdoing.
Similarly, disagreements involving media practitioners and public officials should be subjected to evidence, due process and professional standards rather than social-media accusations and personal attacks.
Claims concerning alleged political influence, harassment, intimidation or financial misconduct are serious and should not be treated casually. Anyone making such allegations should be prepared to provide credible evidence and allow the appropriate authorities to investigate them.
Journalism cannot survive where allegations are presented as established facts, personalities are attacked because of disagreements, or political affiliations are used as substitutes for evidence.
The public deserves a media industry that holds everyone—including journalists, publishers, politicians and public officials—to the same standard.
We must therefore resist the dangerous tendency to stand truth on its head simply because we dislike an individual or disagree with their position. Journalism is too important to be reduced to personal vendettas.
The profession derives its strength from credibility, independence, accuracy, fairness and public trust. Those principles must remain greater than any individual, political interest or personal disagreement.
When truth is the objective, facts should speak for themselves.
