The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John , has reiterated that the primary responsibility of every professional journalist is to provide accurate, credible and useful information that serves the public interest.

Speaking during an interview on the Pathfinder programme on AKBC Television, John stressed that every qualified journalist is professionally equipped to gather, verify and disseminate information to the public, provided such information is factual, balanced and guided by the ethics of the profession.

“Providing accurate and useful information is what we do as journalists,” he said, emphasizing that journalism remains indispensable to the promotion of truth, accountability and responsible governance.

The NUJ Chairman noted that the media plays a critical role in strengthening democracy by keeping citizens informed, promoting transparency and fostering accountability in governance.

According to him, journalists also have a responsibility to safeguard public trust and uphold the credibility of government institutions by ensuring that reports are factual, objective and free from sensationalism.

He explained that journalists should neither suppress the truth nor promote falsehood but must remain steadfast in the principles of fairness, accuracy and responsible reporting in the discharge of their constitutional mandate.

John also emphasized that the welfare of journalists remains a top priority of the Union, stressing that media practitioners deserve a safe, secure and enabling environment in which to carry out their professional responsibilities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ to protecting the rights and welfare of its members and vowed to continue resisting all forms of victimization, intimidation and harassment of journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties.

The NUJ Chairman further maintained that the essence of journalism is not merely to break news but to provide information that enables citizens to make informed decisions and contributes meaningfully to societal development.

He urged journalists to remain committed to the ethical standards of the profession, emphasizing that credible, responsible and fact-based journalism remains indispensable to good governance, national development and the preservation of public confidence in democratic institutions.