ABUJA — The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has warned members of the association against allowing politicians to use them as tools for political agendas, urging them to uphold the ethics, credibility and independence of journalism.
Speaking at the guild’s recent congress in Abuja, Otiti expressed concern over what he described as the increasing monetisation of public opinion and growing attempts by political actors to shape media narratives for personal and partisan gains.
He stressed that media practitioners must resist any pressure capable of compromising their professional judgment, emphasizing that journalists and media executives have a responsibility to deliver factual, balanced and objective reports to the public.
Otiti also cautioned members against taking part in campaigns designed to tarnish the image of political opponents, noting that the media’s credibility rests on fairness, accuracy and strict adherence to professional standards.
According to him, the growing trend of paid influence on public discourse poses a serious threat to the integrity of journalism.
«“Public opinion has increasingly been outsourced to the highest bidder. As media professionals, we must not allow ourselves to become instruments of political manipulation,” he said.»
The GOMEP-NG president urged members to remain steadfast in promoting truth, fairness and the public interest, regardless of political affiliations or financial incentives.
He reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to advancing professionalism, ethical journalism and responsible online publishing, while encouraging members to safeguard the integrity of the profession through credible and balanced reporting.
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