Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON), Wole Arisekola has called out to journalist to always investigate stories before publishing them.
While addressing members of the association at their Abuja office, Ariseola said, “When we present matters to the public, we should ensure that the truth is told no matter whose ox is gored. The lies we tell about others to dent their images may come back to us”.
Using Mahmood Ahmudu as a typical example of pressmen not being diligent enough in their reports, Arisekola said, “Contrary to what we was being circulated about businessman and entrepreneur, Mahmood Ahmadu, our investigations have revealed that he has never been charged with money laundering allegations”.
It would be recalled that a national newspapercirculated the news then that he was wanted in the UK and indeed was being charged for money laundering.
However, the man in the eye of the storm called the AMPON office and described such news as malicious with the intent of damaging his hard-earned reputation.
Arisekola concluded the media parley by saying, “We hope our media men would take time out to do diligent investigations before going to press”.
