The Chairman of the Kano Online Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abubakar Abdulqadir Dangambo, has urged members of the chapel to remain steadfast in upholding ethical standards in their work.
Dangambo made the call while speaking with journalists in Kano on Friday.
He expressed concern over the activities of some online newspaper editors who allegedly engage in blackmail against individuals and institutions, often using pseudonyms. He said such conduct violates the core principles of journalism.
“There must always be balance in journalism. You cannot report only one side of a conflicting story and expect not to be seen as biased. Unfortunately, some people hide under the name of Kano to publish reports that are clearly unethical and amount to blackmail,” he said.
Dangambo described journalism as a vital pillar of development, adding that progress begins when journalists carry out their duties with sincerity and professionalism.
He also appealed to online journalists who have refused to register with the chapel to do so, noting that their actions and misconduct risk reflecting poorly on all practitioners.
“These online newspapers know themselves. They should register as soon as possible. We are already working on publishing the list of our registered members,” he added.
