Matawalle cautions social media handlers against fake news

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has called on new media handlers to desist from spreading fake news because of its negative effects on the peace and stability of Nigeria generally.

Matawalle made the call at the opening of a two-day sensitisation for social media handlers in Gusau on Monday.

The NewsZenithreports that the event was organised by the All Progressive Congress (APC) social media crew.

The governor, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe, described new media as a means of promoting peace and stability in the society if properly used.

“You have a greater role to play in promoting the development of every sector.

“Indeed, your efforts have contributed to enlightening the general public on various government programmes and policies.

“Your efforts have also enhanced the development of both the public and private sectors in society,” he said.

“I am, therefore, calling on you to desist from spreading information that may disrupt the peace and stability of the society.

“You should not use the new media to diminish the characters of leaders and members of the general public,” Matawalle said.

“You should be careful in all your writings and postings because they have effects on your future development.”

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, commended new media handlers for supporting the activities of the APC-led administration in the state.

Danfulani, represented by the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris, acknowledged the contributions of social media handlers in creating positive awareness for the public.

He urged the participants to always verify the information before sharing them with the public.

Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dosara, described the event as a welcome development.

Dosara said that the capacity building of new media handlers was timely.

He said social media handlers are relevant in almost every aspect of development.

He urged them to continue supporting the programmes and policies of the Matawalle-led administration.

In separate remarks, the resource persons at the event, former Commissioners for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmalikin-Gidangoga and Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, urged the participants to always verify the information before sharing them on social media.