The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu has criticized the media over its reports on the crisis in Benue State, describing such reports as hate speech.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Mr Shehu said there was a huge lack of respect for ethics among journalists especially from the manner they reported the Benue state attacks by herdsmen.
He gave an example of a national daily which couched its story with the headline: “Expect More Blood in Benue,” saying that this was becoming a common trend among the press, a trend which could incite more violence.
“We want to state emphatically that a segment of the Nigerian media is sinking deeper and deeper into the mesh of hate speech in spite of repeated appeals by recognized and reputable media bodies, the Government and concerned Nigerians.” said Mr Shehu.
The Special Adviser voiced his displeasure over publication which alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was the first to sanction the massacre which occurred in Benue state.
He advised the media to criticize without having to throw around insults which to him amounted to gutter language and unethical behavior.
Demanding respect for the office of the President, the Special Adviser said the president was making a concerted effort to douse the tension in Benue state and protect the lives and properties of residents in Benue.
Mr Shehu announced that the President had written to the Senate informing them of his plans to solve the Benue crisis including the Minister of Interior Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau(Rtd) and the Deputy IG of Police for their assessment of the situation along with a briefing from the IG of police the day after.