At the recently concluded 2nd National Roundtable on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Officials, held at Chelsea Hotels, CBD, Abuja on July 30, 2024, Mr. Adams Otakwu, Chairman of the Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), voiced strong concerns about the resurgence of fake news and blackmail.
He stressed the need for a unified approach to combat these threats to national security and development.
Otakwu recalled the success of the inaugural roundtable held on January 31, 2024, at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.
The event, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and featuring a keynote address by the National Security Adviser, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle fake news and blackmail.
The establishment of the National Fake Tracker was a significant outcome of that event.
Despite these efforts, the resurgence of fake news and blackmail by individuals and groups pretending to be civil society organizations continues to pose a serious threat.
These individuals spread false allegations and malicious petitions, often demanding bribes, contracts, or appointments in exchange for silence. Otakwu condemned these practices as unethical and harmful to national stability.
The roundtable featured high-ranking representatives from various government agencies, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and the armed forces.
Participants unanimously condemned the spread of fake news and blackmail, pledging to collaborate in combating these threats through a 'Whole of Society' approach.
In his presentation, Professor Godswill Nnaji outlined the legal frameworks in countries like Germany, Singapore, and France, which have successfully curbed fake news and blackmail. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt similar stringent laws and implement public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of misinformation.
Nnaji's insights underscored the critical impact of these activities on public trust and national security.
One of the key outcomes of the roundtable was the establishment of a committee to map and monitor civil society organizations in the country.
This initiative aims to identify fake CSOs involved in blackmail and ensure they are held accountable. The committee, comprising the Conference of Civil Societies, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the National Population Commission, will work closely with government agencies to monitor and address the spread of fake news.
The roundtable concluded with a strong call to action for all Nigerians to reject fake news and blackmail.
Otakwu urged citizens to uphold transparency and integrity, reinforcing their commitment to national security and development.
He emphasized that only through collective effort can Nigeria achieve a secure and prosperous future.