The member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, has urged journalists to uphold professionalism, verify information and resist political inducements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yahaya, who chaired the occasion at the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, warned that misinformation, sensationalism and artificial intelligence-generated content pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
Addressing journalists at the event, the lawmaker declared that journalists were not merely reporters of democratic events but “guardians of democracy,” stressing that their responsibility to hold government accountable must be guided by truth, fairness and integrity.
He outlined three principles for credible election reporting: truth over speed, balance over bias, and conscience over money.
“The 2027 general election will test us. Let us not be the conduit for fake results, ethnic profiling or unverified claims of violence. Let facts be sacred,” he said.
Yahaya also cautioned journalists against allowing political affiliations or financial inducements to compromise their professional judgment, insisting that every political party, candidate and region deserved fair representation in media reports.
Reaffirming his commitment to press freedom, the lawmaker called on government at all levels to protect and adequately support the media.
“Let us not fear the press. Let us fund the press. Let us protect the press. A free press does not weaken government; it strengthens it,” he stated.
He acknowledged the media’s role in connecting government with citizens, citing his legislative support for people-oriented policies, including a bill for free maternal and neonatal healthcare for pregnant women and newborns in state-owned hospitals.
Speaking on his constituency interventions, Yahaya, popularly known as “Connect,” highlighted initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and economic empowerment.
He listed the provision of free JAMB forms to more than 400 students annually, N1 million in excellence grants for top UTME performers, support for 101 students in October, the distribution of 5,000 textbooks and learning materials, 27 tertiary scholarships and 30 laptops, alongside classroom renovations.
Other projects, according to him, include the ongoing Ogodu Cottage Hospital, motorised boreholes across Omala’s 11 wards, medical outreaches, the Abejukolo Township Road, solar streetlights, a police station at Ibado-Akpacha and motorcycles for security operatives.
He added that more than 400 families had benefited from farming tools, cash empowerment and skills acquisition programmes.
The lawmaker, however, described the interventions as ongoing efforts, acknowledging the media’s contribution in amplifying community needs and holding public officials accountable.
He charged journalists to remain vigilant against misinformation and urged political leaders to see the media as partners in democratic development rather than adversaries.
Yahaya concluded by wishing the NUJ Kogi State Council a successful and impactful 2026 Press Week, calling for a media environment that promotes peace, accountability and credible elections.
