By Hope Ofobike & Linus Ngantem
Journalists in the country have been advised against sensational reportage of crisis so as not to worsen the situation.
A lecturer in the Taraba State University Mrs. Patience Nwosu gave the advice in a paper at the just concluded International Conference on Africa, Media and Peace Building at the Multi-purpose Auditorium of the University of Jos.
Nwosu who spoke on Credibility, Ethics and Agenda Setting in Peace Building, accused the media of not reporting the truth during conflict situations stressing the need for balance and fairness in reporting issues involving two warring factions.
According to her, the media should find ways of resolving conflicts in Nigeria, adding that factual information dissemination can shape and mould the character of the people.
In another paper on Communication and Management in the Administration of Justice in Plateau State, Mr. Zubairu Atta of the University of Jos, stressed the importance of upholding equality before the law urging the Judiciary to avoid bias in the administration of justice.
He urged law enforcement agencies to do their utmost to unravel the root cause of violence so that appropriate action could be taken to restore order in the society.
Similarly, Mr Felix Okokeri of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State whose paper was entitled Democracy, Good Governance and Nation Development, challenged the electorate to hold their representatives accountable and ensure that they perform creditably.
He further emphasized that good governance prevails where there is transparency, credibility, accountability among others, checks bad governance and allows the people to be part of decision making process of the country.
In another paper on the Role of the Media in Building the Culture of Peace and Non-violence, Mrs. Asmau Benzies of the Centre of Non-violent and Peace Advocate, admonished the media to promote the culture of peace aimed at transforming societal values and empower the people through dialogue and negotiation,
Asmau said the media is an agent of transformation in peace building through their news programmes, feature stories, documentaries among others and stressed the need for the people to help the media in the promotion of peace.
She urged the media to perform its role effectively through democratic participation to aid development and give the masses a sense of belonging.
As part of the events, participants embarked on a tour to some of the tourist attractions in Plateau State as well as some of the areas affected by the Jos Crises.
