Yusuf gave this charge yesterday while delivering a talk on “Role of Muslim Media Professionals in the Current Political Dispensation’’ during the monthly meeting of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in Abuja.
She said the only way for the media to be above board was for media practitioners to stand by the truth and the ethics of the profession without being stereotyped.
The Editor of Aminiya, the Hausa version of Trust Newspapers, reminded journalists that many people relied on them for information, hence the need to verify and authenticate all their stories before publication.
“Journalists must be honest and sincere in all things, must stand by the truth, ensure independence and must be knowledgeable about the subject matter and stick to the ethics of the profession,’’ she said.
Yusuf , who gave instances of her encounter with some political office holders, said a Muslim journalist must remain focussed in the pursuit of truth.
NAN reports that after exhaustive contributions from members present, it was agreed that Muslim journalists should distinguish themselves by always doing the right thing at the right time with prayers to Allah for guidance.
Earlier, the Muslim Media Coordinator in Abuja, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun had said that the lecture was to reawaken the consciousness of Muslim Journalists to the motto of the association which says: “Speak the Truth, even if it is against you”.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives of NAN, Daily Trust, FRCN, the New Nigerian, Tribune, The Nation and NTA.