The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has charged journalists in Nigeria to uphold objectivity and strictly adhere to the ethics of their profession, warning against the dangers of social media irregularities.
The Sultan gave the advice on Sunday at his palace in Sokoto when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, paid him the traditional Sallah homage following the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
He stressed the need for journalists to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with diligence, patriotism and honesty, noting that the role of the media remains critical to national stability and development.
“You should discharge your constitutional duties responsibly, diligently, patriotically and honestly,” the Sultan said.
He cautioned journalists against adopting unprofessional practices often associated with some social media platforms, emphasizing that disregard for ethics and objectivity could undermine peace, unity and national progress.
“You should never operate like social media practitioners who have no respect for ethics or objectivity. This is very crucial to sustainable peace, unity, security and the socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.
The Sultan also congratulated journalists on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, urging them to remain grateful to Almighty Allah for witnessing the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sokoto State Council, Usman Mohammed Binji, said the visit was to felicitate with the Sultan and members of the Sultanate Council on the successful conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.
Binji commended the Sultan for his sustained media-friendly disposition and assured him of the union’s commitment to maintaining a cordial working relationship with the Sultanate Council.
The Sallah homage is part of a long-standing tradition that fosters mutual respect and cooperation between the media and the traditional institution in Sokoto State.
