The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has urged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo Council, to fight quackery in the profession in the state.
The Oba gave the advice on Wednesday in Benin when the leadership of the council led by Mr. Festus Alenkhe, paid him a courtesy visit.
He, however, said he would support the union to sustain ethical practice and check quackery in the practice of journalism in the state.
“We are not against proper reporting, but reporting things without cross checking is unprofessional.
“Some report what is not correct because they are in a rush to please their bosses or make money.
“What some of them do, especially in the social media, is what we are not happy about. There must be discipline,’’ the Benin king said.
Earlier, Alenkhe informed the Oba that the council would produce a compendium of qualified and practicing journalists in the state for ethical checks.
He said that the council had begun a total clean-up in the profession in order to eradicate quackery and check professional misconduct in the state.
He said the council would collaborate with the traditional institution to develop the kingdom and the state through effective and accurate reportage.
Alenkhe commended the Oba of Benin for his efforts towards addressing cases of illegal migration and the ease at which people now developed their land without harassment by hoodlums.
“We are going to have a compendium of only qualified and practicing journalists in Edo. We will use that to check quackery because it is not everybody that carries biro and jotter that is a journalist.
“We also thank you for the peace in the kingdom. Before now, we heard of extortion as people tried to build houses but that has reduced.
“The ugly story of illegal migration and trafficking have also reduced since you ascended the throne. Most of our people now travel genuinely and engage in genuine business,’’ he stated. (NAN).
