Bauchi Governor, Information Minister Raise Alarm Over Fake News Threat

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have voiced strong concerns about the rising danger of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The alarm was raised on Wednesday at the third Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture in Ikeja, Lagos, themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.” The event was organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa, Governor Mohammed said the digital era, despite broadening access to information, had also become a breeding ground for lies and distortions.

“The digital age has opened the floodgates of information and misinformation,” he said. “Social media has democratised speech but diluted the truth. Now, artificial intelligence creates headlines—but who checks the intent behind them?”

He expressed worry over the declining independence of the media, which he said was increasingly influenced by political and corporate interests. This, he warned, compromises truth and accountability.

Mohammed emphasized that true nation-building is impossible without a strong media that defends the rule of law, promotes credible leadership, encourages civic education, and fosters reconciliation in a diverse society.

“The moment a society begins to ignore judicial decisions, it is on the path to lawlessness,” he warned. “The media must challenge every flouting of court orders—not because of who is involved, but because what is at stake is the soul of the republic.”