The Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof. Peter Esuh, has criticized Nigerians and the media for fueling disparaging remarks against leaders, warning that such actions negatively impact the country’s image on the global stage.
Speaking with journalists in his office over the weekend, Esuh, a Professor of Corporate Communication, Marketing, and Applied Rhetorics, lamented that many Nigerians use social media—global platforms—to denigrate their leaders without considering the far-reaching consequences.
“I am worried about the way we react to issues as Nigerians. Traditional media have mechanisms for protecting a country’s image. However, with social media, people post anything without considering the impact. The rate at which we disparage our leaders in contemporary Nigerian society is alarming and has affected our international reputation.
“Many people do not realize that social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are global. When we type something, it is not limited to Nigeria but reaches the entire world. These platforms have fully actualized the concept of a global village.”
Citing specific examples, Prof. Esuh condemned the way influencers, bloggers, TV commentators, and even mainstream journalists handled the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation to former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel. He expressed concern that the media failed to investigate or balance their reports before sensationalizing the issue.
Listing numerous impactful projects from Emmanuel’s administration, Esuh said he expected the media to professionally assess the alleged mismanagement of N700 billion against the actual allocations received during Emmanuel’s tenure and his achievements.
“It is regrettable that journalists, including those in the mainstream media, failed to verify facts from the EFCC’s website before reporting the former governor’s alleged arrest. Even reputable media outlets failed to differentiate between an invitation and an arrest,” he said.
“How many journalists in Nigeria, including those in mainstream media, take time to visit the EFCC’s website? The website provides updates on arrests, court cases, and investigations. Yet, people quickly spread the false claim that Udom Emmanuel was arrested when, in reality, he was at home. The absence of such a report on the EFCC’s website should have been a red flag. This speaks volumes about the recklessness of our society. Journalists must be trained professionals; one cannot simply walk into the profession without proper education and discipline.”
Prof. Esuh also criticized the media’s handling of the recent sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He argued that the claim suggested an instance of sexual advancement rather than harassment, emphasizing that harassment, by definition, involves persistent and unwelcome advances.
“The media failed to make this critical distinction, misleading the public and distorting reality. This lack of professional rigor in reporting sensitive issues is deeply concerning. Journalists must be adequately informed to ensure accuracy in framing issues rather than sensationalizing claims,” he stated.
According to him, this trend of shaping narratives based on public sentiment rather than facts undermines journalistic integrity. Beyond misrepresentation, Esuh warned that such indiscriminate reporting damages Nigeria’s credibility and reputation in global discourse.
He called for greater responsibility in news reportage, urging the media to prioritize fact-based journalism over sensationalism to safeguard national dignity and uphold professional ethics.
