Politicians should recognize value of online publishers as partners in governance – Lawyer
• Barr Ekemini Udim
Itoro Bassey
To stem the tide of increasing scourge of harassment faced by bloggers and social media influencers, Ekemini Udim, the Senior Partner of Justice Chambers, has emphasized the need for politicians in Akwa Ibom State to recognize the vital role of online publishers in the governance process.
Together, Barr Udim said politicians, online publishers, and influencers can shape the future of Akwa Ibom State and create a vibrant and inclusive society.
The lawyer spoke during a thought-provoking seminar organized by the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) held at Eden Hotels in Eket on Saturday, October 7.
In his presentation on “The legal burden of online publishing and the increased scourge of harassment faced by bloggers and social media influencers”, Udim explained that by fostering collaboration and ensuring the dissemination of truthful content, the state can harness the power of social media to drive positive change and transparency.
As a way forward, Udim recommended a bill to be originated and forwarded to the House of Assembly for a Law to offer specific protection to online publishers, bloggers and social media influencers.
He also emphasized the need for politicians in the state to abandon their habit of using coercion to intimidate and harass online publishers, bloggers, and social media influencers.
“Power people in society have been more of an albatross to online publishers, bloggers and social media influencers. They are the ones that employ the instrument of the state against your fold.
“They pay monies for your members to be arrested and tortured. They press charges in courts and do all manner of humiliating things against your members when they feel slighted by any online publication.
“We must rise in unison to condemn this practice which has become more of a recurring decimal in Nigeria today”.
Udim also called upon the police force and other security agencies to exercise caution when responding to requests for the arrest and detention of online publishers.
Instead, he urged them to collaborate with media experts and lawyers within the police fold to thoroughly examine petitions and make informed decisions regarding the alleged defamatory content.
This approach, Udim said, would ensure that justice is served and that the rights of online publishers are protected.
As he highlighted the evolution of online journalism and its indispensable role in today’s world, the lawyer said: “while we celebrate the beauty of online publishing, one cannot fail to mention the fact that in recent time, online publishers, bloggers and social media influencers have become endangered species.
“They have been haunted across the globe. In Nigeria, the situation is not better. Many online publishers, bloggers and social media influencers have been arrested by the police and sister security agencies and detained for days un-end at the behest of some powerful members of society who walk the earth as the untouchables.
“Today we have influential men and women in the Nigerian society who strongly believe that they are above criticism. That their activities should never be scrutinized by any journalist or any person born of a woman. Here lies the cross of the online publisher, blogger and influencer. He is constantly on the radar of the security agencies and closely monitored.
“In most instances, the online journalist is not sure of the story that will annoy the political actor and activate his arrest and detention. The reality today is that there is indeed an existential threat to the online journalism profession. Some have even lost their lives in the course of duty”.
He stressed the importance of online publishers disseminating factual and truthful content, adding that this would be their primary legal responsibility.
“If you truly appreciate the power of the media you will never publish fake news against any human being or against any institution. Be sure before you publish. That way, if you run into trouble, it will be easier to defend you. In law, truth is a complete defence for any journalist who is arrested for making a publication.
“There is another legal burden or responsibility; a responsible online publisher should have his media name registered under the laws of the country you operate. It shows that you are a serious-minded person who is not hiding behind the keyboard to defame people or promote illegality.
“You have a legal responsibility not to use your platform to promote hate speech nor use same to incite any segment of society into violence. As an online publisher, you are a stakeholder in society and you have a role not to stoke violence through your publication.
“You also have a burden to keep society constantly informed about events in society. In doing so, you should never be selective. Break the news as it is, no matter the person or persons involved, provided what you are reporting is the truth and nothing but the truth.
“When you introduce the evil of favouritism into your reportage for reason of friendship, affinity or for tangential perquisites, you have failed in your role as an online publisher, blogger and influencer”.
Udim expressed concern about the negative impact of fabricated stories that have tarnished reputations, urging online publishers to exercise caution and prioritize truth in their daily operations.
He emphasized the need for continuous training and development for online publishers, bloggers, and social media influencers.
He encouraged them to engage in regular brainstorming sessions to stay updated with industry trends and legal requirements, reminding them of the ethical guidelines that govern their profession.
In a significant development, Mr. Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, the publisher of www.sitippe.com, emerged as the new Chancellor of COOPA, securing an impressive 28 votes.
His victory over his only contender, Mr. Nelson NseAbasi, was celebrated by the conference attendees. Mr. Ukpong expressed his commitment to building upon the legacy of his predecessor, Mr. Ifreke Nseowo, with a focus on human capital development.
He outlined initiatives such as in-house training, conferences, and events to enhance members’ skills in the ICT sector.
The event also witnessed the induction and decoration of ten newcomers as official members of COOPA. These individuals, including Mary Ekere, Mfon Bassey, and Hero Akpata, bring the total membership to 42, further solidifying COOPA’s influence in the online publishing landscape.
