President Muhammadu Buhari has come out to say that Nigeria has a high dose of disinformation, fake news, hate news being circulated by people who use media platforms.

He disclosed this while applauding the Nigerian media for the commendable work they have done and are currently doing amid the coronavirus outbreak.

According to him, those behind the spread of fake news on social media should desist from the habit because it is capable of setting Nigeria on fire.

He added that anyone spreading news that is untrue does not mean well for the country because their action has the potential to rupture relationships, sow seeds of discord, and set on the path of destabilization

“We cannot overemphasize the role of the media in keeping people informed and educated on the pernicious virus, which has no friend or foe. It simply seeks to mow down anyone and everyone in its path, and public awareness is very important, lest we become like sitting ducks.

“The media are doing this quite effectively, till we get to safe harbour when the world and our country are finally free of this greatest health challenge in recent history.”

“Nigeria has a very unhealthy dose of disinformation, fake news, hate news, purveyed by people who use media platforms, particularly the digital variant.”

“They don’t mean well for us, and no country can afford to close its eyes to the evil disinformation can cause. In a plural polity like ours, it has the potential to rupture relationships, sow seeds of discord, and set on the path of destabilisation.

“When fake and hate news are added unabashedly, it can only signpost doom. I urge the Press to use the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to see how this can be vigorously tackled.”

“We appreciate the cooperation we have enjoyed from the media in tackling the Coronavirus, and look forward to same, post COVID-19, when all hands must be on deck to repair the damages done to our economic and social lives.”