In a significant development, the Nigerian government has formally complained about a prominent newspaper house, Daily Trust, with the country’s National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), the Ombudsman, for its story on the Samoa agreement.

This is perhaps the first known complaint by any individual, body, or government against any media outfit since the establishment of the Ombudsman.

The government alleges that the newspaper has engaged in the dissemination of misinformation that has the potential to mislead the public and incite unrest.

The complaint, filed by the federal government dated 8 July 2024, was signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on behalf of the Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, centers on a frontpage lead story published by Daily Trust on 4 July 2024, which government is claiming: “contained false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.”

“The media has a crucial role in shaping public opinion and holding the government accountable,” Alhaji Mohammed said adding: “However, when a respected newspaper like Daily Trust publishes information that is not only inaccurate but also potentially harmful, it becomes necessary to seek intervention to maintain the integrity of our information space.”

The government wants the agency to carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged misleading publication; direct the newspaper’s management to publicly retract and correct the alleged false information, with equal prominence as the original article; direct the newspaper’s management to issue an unequivocal apology for allegedly recklessly disseminating false information; and implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent a repeat of such alleged unwholesome report by any newspaper in the future.

The specific articles in question reportedly cover sensitive topics, including national security and economic policies. The government contends that these pieces have presented a skewed version of events, lacking balance and the context necessary for readers to form informed opinions.

Daily Trust, has defended its reporting. The newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Alhaji Naziru Mikailu Abubakar, responded to the allegations by affirming the publication’s commitment to truth and accuracy. “Our mission has always been to provide the Nigerian public with factual and unbiased news. We stand by our reports and are ready to cooperate with any investigations to prove their veracity,” Alhaji Abubakar said.

This incident has sparked a broader debate on the role of media in Nigeria, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue. Media advocacy groups have expressed concern over what they perceive as increasing attempts by the government to stifle press freedom. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a fair and transparent investigation by the Ombudsman.

“The media must operate free from undue influence and intimidation,” NUJ President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, remarked, stressing that: “While it is essential to address any instances of misinformation, it is equally important to ensure that such measures do not become tools for suppressing dissenting voices.”

The Ombudsman’s office has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and assured the public of an impartial review. A statement by NMCC on Sunday acknowledged receipt of the federal government’s complaint and added that an investigation into the matter had commenced.

“The statement signed by Mr. Emeka Izeze and Mr Feyi Smith, Chairman and interim secretary of NMCC, respectively said: “As an independent media regulatory body, we have to promote media adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

“We are also expected to ensure that the media operate in a free and unfettered environment,” the commission said.
The statement said that in the complaint, the government alleged that “on July 4, 2024, the newspaper published on its front page, a news item titled ‘LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal.”

“In the report, it said that the government had endorsed a European Union (EU) partnership agreement (referred to as the “Samoa Agreement”), with member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).

It said that the agreement was signed “despite some conditional clauses that compel benefiting nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community for recognition”.

The government, according to the statement, described the report as “false and misleading”. The statement by the NMCC quoted the government as saying that, as a result of the alleged false report, “individuals and government officials have been subjected to hate speech, threats, intimidation, and cyberbullying across social media”.

It said that by the mandate and its established procedures, it had commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations. “We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial.

According to the statement, the government is, therefore, asking the NMCC to intervene in the matter and, among other things, carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged misleading publication;

It also urged the Ombudsman to direct the newspaper’s management to publicly retract and correct the alleged false information, with equal prominence as the original article.

It called on the NMCC to direct the newspaper’s management to issue an unequivocal apology for “allegedly recklessly disseminating false information and implement stricter editorial guidelines to prevent a repeat of such alleged unwholesome report by any newspaper in the future”.

The NMCC said it had sent a formal acknowledgment letter, dated July 10, and signed by its Interim Secretary, Mr Feyi Smith, to the ministry, informing it that the complaint was receiving the attention of the commission.
It said that the outcome would be duly communicated to the government.

“The management of Daily Trust will be contacted shortly for its response.

As this case unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between maintaining press freedom and ensuring responsible journalism. The outcome of the Ombudsman’s review could have far-reaching implications for the media landscape in Nigeria, setting a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.