Bolaji Adebiyi shares insights on Daily Trust’s commendable apology for its inaccurate reporting in an interview with Eze Anaba, president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Anaba expressed enthusiasm on Thursday as he addressed attendees at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja during the 1st News Agency of Nigeria Annual International Lecture. The lecture focused on the theme, “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges, Genesis, Impacts and Options.”
During his speech, Anaba took a moment to highlight something he felt was overlooked: Daily Trust’s recent apology for inaccuracies in a July report. He noted that this act was significant as it demonstrated the media’s willingness to acknowledge mistakes and resolve issues without needing a protracted legal battle. His remarks resonated with prominent figures in the audience, including former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar and national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Anaba pointed out a concerning trend in past media-government interactions, where media outlets would often remain unrepentant in the face of evident inaccuracies, while governments exploited these situations to target specific outlets. He praised the resolution of a dispute regarding a misleading report on the Samoa Agreement, which was handled amicably through an independent conflict resolution mechanism.
The controversial July 4, 2024 report from Daily Trust, which claimed that Nigeria signed a $150 billion Samoa deal mandating the recognition of LGBTQ rights in return for loans, ignited public outcry, especially among religious and civil society groups. The government’s swift denial prompted fears of escalating protests, leading them to address the issue through established media channels rather than the courts.
Taking a constructive approach, the government lodged a formal complaint with the Nigerian Media Complaint Commission (NMCC) on July 8. They accused the publication of jeopardizing national security and requested a thorough investigation. Their complaint included a demand for a public retraction and apology, along with stricter editorial oversight to prevent future errors.
The NMCC, comprising a diverse group of esteemed professionals, approached the situation with the intent to promote accountability. Their ability to deliver recommendations within a three-month timeframe illustrated their efficiency and credibility in handling the matter. In their findings, they noted that while Daily Trust’s report was inaccurate, the government could have mitigated controversy by proactively communicating the details and implications of the Samoa Agreement to the Nigerian public.
Ultimately, both parties accepted the NMCC’s recommendations. Daily Trust publicly acknowledged its mistakes, stating, “We accept the verdict of the NMCC without any equivocation. We apologize to the Federal Government for any inconvenience the story might have caused. We also apologize to our readers and the public for getting the story wrong in the first place.”
This resolution has ushered in a new era in government-media relations, demonstrating that constructive dialogue and accountability can lead to positive outcomes. Adebiyi, who serves as the media assistant to Senator Abubakar Bagudu, lauded both the government and Daily Trust for their respective commitments to transparency and ethical practices moving forward.
