The Nigerian Media has inaugurated a nine-member board of the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the National Ombudsman, to strengthen public confidence in the media.
The Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO) comprising the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), inaugurated the commission in Ikeja, Lagos, Monday.
The President, NPO, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, who is also the President of NPAN, stated that the commission would “watch the watchdog”.
According to him, NPO is the umbrella body of owners, editors and reporters of print and online journalists in Nigeria, taking the responsibility of regulating its work and conduct.
“In deference to the dictum, that journalism is too important to be left to journalists, we have opted for a mechanism of co-regulation.
“This is done with the help of other actors like the civil society, especially the bar and non-media Non Governmental Organisations.
“Radio and television are already regulated, but the print, which is the oldest, and online, which is the newest, have escaped such control.
“The former warned by the lessons of history and the latter, by the amplitude of technology.
“Powerful and privileged Nigerians, irritated by the nosiness of the media, often express the wish for some checks on its powers. I sometimes think that such people take freedom for granted,” he said.
Yusuf, however, said some journalists seem all out to prove that their pen was indeed a sword for slaying real or imaginary enemies.
“The Ombudsman will call such people to order, to appreciate that the power of the press should be used for good, not for self-aggrandisement.
“To be effective, the physician has to heal himself, before he can apply the cure to others.
“We have selected a strong team to administer this medicine”, he added.
According to him, the nine-member commission will be chaired by Mr Emeka Izeze, former Editor-in- Chief and Managing Director of the Guardian Newspapers.
“Izeze is one of our very best. To work with him, we have selected other leading lights of our profession and that of our partners”, he added.
Yusuf listed other members of the commission to include: Malam AB Mahmoud, former President, Nigerian Bar Association; Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka; and Dr Hussaini Abdu, Country Director, Care International.
Also among are: Mr Lanre Idowu, Editor-in-Chief, Diamond Publications; Mrs Eugenia Abu, Veteran broadcaster and author; Mr Edetean Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda.