Alleged NYSC Certificate Scandal: Group Condemn Media Silence.
… Warns Against Selective Journalism
Editor
A Civil Society Organization known as the Accountability Front for Justice and Good Governance (AFJGG) has accused the Nigerian media for engaging in what it terms “politics of selective journalism” over the alleged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate forgery and double public service engagement involving the current Minister of Interior, Mr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the civic advocacy group expressed concern over the many mainstream media outlets for deliberately avoiding reporting the allegations, despite growing public calls for an open investigation on the matter. AFJGG said the silence was indicative of a troubling trend of bias and complicity within sections of the Nigerian press.
The group cited a certain Nigerian newspaper as an example, alleging that the publication accepted payment for a sponsored advertorial relating to AFJGG’s petition on the issue but later declined to publish it, claiming “a moral duty to protect a friend of the paper.” AFJGG described the move as a betrayal of journalistic ethics and a violation of public trust.
“When a media house begins to protect political allies rather than defend truth, it loses its moral authority and becomes a propaganda tool, Such practices undermine transparency, accountability, and equality before the law, the pillars of our democracy,” the group stated.
The AFJGG however commended online platforms such as Sahara Reporters and Peoples Gazette for their courage and integrity in providing objective coverage of national issues without fear or favour.
The group warned that selective reporting and suppression of public interest stories posed a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The press is supposed to be the conscience of society not a commercial shield for politicians, when the media becomes an accomplice in the concealment of public misconduct, it contributes directly to the decay of democratic accountability,”it said.
AFJGG also warned journalists, editors, and media executives against distorting or suppressing information for political or financial gain, vowing to name and shame those found guilty of bias or manipulation.
It urged Nigerian media organisations to restore credibility by recommitting to their constitutional duty of impartiality and balance, particularly in covering and reporting a balanced report especially in the ongoing national controversies surrounding Tunji-Ojo.
“Freedom of the press is not a privilege for comfort it is a duty to the people, the media cannot demand respect under democracy while betraying the very principles that sustain that democracy,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and ethical governance, AFJGG said it would continue to mobilize citizens and civic groups to defend truth and accountability.
“Our democracy cannot thrive where truth is for sale and corruption is hidden behind sponsored headlines, In the end, truth always triumphs over power,” the group concluded.
