Many of those that generate and spread fake news do not live in Nigeria- President Buhari

President Buhari on Thursday said that those that generate and also spread fake and misleading news particularly on social media, do not live in Nigeria.

The President said this when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Union of Journalists led by Chris Isiguzo at the State House today March 21st.

President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, urged members of the NUJ to support his government in devising a means to control the spread of false information. 

The President noted that some misleading information on social media were created and posted by people who lived outside the country.

“Many of the perpetrators of these acts do not even live within our shores. However, they have been able to damage the reputation of hardworking Nigerian journalists while at the same time promoting conflict and divisions within our society,’’ he said

Speaking further, the president urged members of the NUJ to support the government in devising a means to control the spread of false information.

“Your profession today is undergoing a fundamental shift. For better or worse, the digital space is now becoming the major outlet for ‘news’. This space is difficult to regulate and police. In many instances, the participants in this medium are not trained or professional journalists.

The stories they present are neither factual nor true. However, through the digital platform, they are able to reach millions and create an alternate reality in their minds. I am sure you will all agree that the biggest threat to the sustainability and credibility of your profession is the uncontrolled and unregulated news platforms operating in the cyber space,’’ he said.