By Collins Agwam
The Nigerian delegate at the recently held All-Russian Youth Education Forum (SHUM) organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate of the Russian Federation, Dr. Emmanuel Johnson Chukwuka has charged journalists to correct historical biases through research, especially the ones instigated against Russia and Africa by the Western countries.
Dr. Chukwuka who was the Vice Presidential candidate of the Action Alliance in the 2023 general election in Nigeria spoke in the Kaliningrad region of Russia during the week-long event which held between October 26 and November 1, 2024.
The Medical Doctor and top Nigerian politician who spoke on the topic, ‘Media versus Journalism In A Rapidly Changing World’, argued that media reports should be thoroughly investigated before they are spread further, as many are false narratives enabled by the Western countries against perceived enemies, especially nations like Russia which vehemently fought against Western institutions like fascism and colonialism.
He said, “Russia fought against colonialism around the world, fought against fascism, and is now ready to tell her own story. It has become necessary that we tell our own stories because if we don’t do that, nobody will do it for us. The West is not ready to tell your story for you.
“I am from Nigeria. We are the victims of what Russia has been fighting. Therefore, this is the important thing that Russia is fighting.
“Africans are the highest victims of the West. Russia has gained an incredible level of acceptance in Africa and over 80 per cent of the African population are signing for Russia.
“This is the time we need a partnership that all of us will join hands together to tell our stories from the very beginning. We need to do this to help the people of our countries get the best from each other.”
Dr. Chukwuka, therefore urged Journalists across the world to be professional in discharging their duties in order not to mislead the members of the public.
The top Nigerian politician further emphasised that media practitioners have great responsibilities in ensuring the development of any nation, hence the need for journalists to always act as watchdogs of the society.
“I am calling on all media practitioners attending this SHUM Forum in Kaliningrad to start using their professional abilities to adequately report happenings in the society. We want to see reports without any biases. We need to start seeing stories that would make our governments to work for the people.
“In Nigeria, as we approach the 2027 elections, I am hoping to see Journalists from several media organisations report the facts without taking sides. This is how we will be able to get the right persons in leadership positions who will take the nation to greater heights,” he added.
