Matawalle warns media houses against unverified reports undermining national security

 

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has advised media houses to always verify their reports on security before publishing or broadcasting them.

Matawalle gave the advice in a statewide broadcast in Gusau on Tuesday, March 9.

He said the state government noted with dismay some unverified reports from both the broadcast and print media on the security situation of the state.

“We appreciate the efforts of working journalists in the state to the ongoing peace dialogue process with bandits, but we want you to be professional always while carrying out your duties,” Matawalle said.

He also condemned the use of social platforms for spreading fake news on insecurity.

He described this act as sabotaging the efforts of government and security agencies in addressing the dwindling security challenges in the state.

Matawalle, however, described his recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari over recent security challenges in the state as fruitful.

“You know, my four-day working visit to Abuja led to the introduction of several security measures by the Federal Government.

“I am calling on the people of the state to cooperate with government and security agencies while implementing the measures,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stated his administration will widening opportunities for women to participate in governance in the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the assertion at the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on Tuesday, March 9, in Ikeja.

The theme of 2021 IWD is: ”Women in Leadership: Achieving An Equal Future In A COVID-19 World”, and the slogan is ”Choose To Challenge”.

The governor said that issues concerning women and youths had remained on the priority list of the state government since the inception of his administration.

According to him, women play vital roles in the development of any society, and what the society stands to lose by denying them the opportunity to actualise their potential.

Sanwo-Olu called on all women to continue to amplify their voices in their quest for gender equality; and desire to occupy more space in leadership at the very top.

”Challenging stereotypes, eradicating bias views; and widening your perceptions are vital to an equal and enabled world.

”Given the opportunity and support; there is no limit to what a woman can achieve.

”I enjoin my fellow men in Lagos State to continue to support, love, respect, value, and cherish our women. Let us allow them more room at the very top.”