The DPO of “B” Division, Warri, CSP Josephine Ekebuike,(6th) and Members of Warri NUJ during the visit on Tuesday
By Cynthia Eruotor
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of B Division, Warri, CSP Josephine Ekebuike, has urged journalists across Delta State and beyond to uphold the ethics of journalism by ensuring that all reports are properly investigated and verified before publication.
CSP Ekebuike gave the charge on Tuesday while receiving members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, at the B Division Headquarters in Warri, Delta State. She expressed concern over the increasing spread of false and unverified information, attributing the trend to the rise of social media, where virtually anyone with a smartphone now claims to be a journalist.
According to her, trained journalists have a responsibility to counter misinformation by promptly investigating issues, verifying facts, and providing the public with accurate and balanced reports. “There is no way anyone can accurately know everything that is happening without proper verification. When you receive information, don’t stop at the first source. Reach out to relevant authorities, spokespersons and other stakeholders to hear all sides of the story before going public,” she said.
The DPO urged media practitioners to embrace the principles of investigative journalism, stressing that accurate and responsible reporting is essential to keeping the public properly informed and preventing the spread of misinformation. She noted that journalists play a critical role in shaping public opinion, particularly during periods of tension and crisis, warning that inaccurate reports could trigger unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence.
Ekebuike also frowned at the growing practice of publishing and sharing unverified reports, saying such actions often lead to exaggerated casualty figures, distorted accounts of events, and widespread misinformation. “Timely and accurate reporting is essential. When false information comes out first, it becomes difficult to correct. People tend to believe the first report more than the correction that follows,” she stated.
She recalled how the circulation of unverified information during a security-related incident in Delta State earlier this year created widespread anxiety and generated numerous inquiries from concerned residents. The police officer therefore challenged members of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel to remain trusted sources of credible information in an era dominated by social media.
“The public should be willing to wait for the NUJ’s version of events because they trust it will be factual and balanced. That should be your hallmark,” she added. Ekebuike further encouraged journalists to explore innovative ways of making the profession more attractive and relevant in the digital age, emphasizing that this can only be achieved through strict adherence to the ethics and standards of the profession.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Akpokona Omafuaire Esq., represented by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Francis Sadhere, commended the DPO for her commitment to effective policing and security within the division. He assured her of the Chapel’s readiness to partner with the police in information dissemination and public enlightenment campaigns aimed at promoting security and public safety.
According to him, the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the Chapel to the DPO and further strengthen the cordial relationship between the media and the Nigeria Police Force. Omafuaire described journalists as critical partners in nation-building, noting that the union remains committed to constructive engagement with institutions and stakeholders in advancing peace, security, and development.
He added that the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel and B Division of the Nigeria Police Force have resolved to deepen collaboration in the interest of public safety, responsible information management, and the overall growth and development of Delta State and Nigeria.