April 11, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) has decried the incessant occurrence of cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking and the spread of fake news pervading the social media space, warning that it poses a real threat to the mental, emotional and collective peace of the people.
As a consensus on EARCOM HOUR, a radio advocacy programme of the Commission, monitored on Heritage 104.9 fm, Eket on Monday, EARCOM advised citizens to desist from stalking perceived rivals or competitors on the digital space and spreading embarrassing fake news about their opponents in a bid to sway public opinion about them or smear their reputation with propaganda.
The programme, which featured Sir Ubong Ekefre, Pastor Etopobong Nathaniel and Mr Jonathan Titus as discussants, had the trio explaining that the growing level of cyber-bullying in the social media space is not only worrisome but capable of inciting violence, disrupting social cohesion and stirring disunity among citizens.
While harping on the alternative use of digital media to promote businesses, build healthy relationships, facilitate research and earn income among others, EARCOM also appealed to politicians not to overheat the polity with fake news or propaganda that will not strengthen the country’s growing democracy.
Speaking on the controversy stirred by the Executive Director of Projects in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Victor Antai, who reportedly accused Governor Umo Eno of impoverishing people through the Bulk Purchasing Agency, Pastor Nathaniel cautioned politicians on deliberate misinformation and distortion of facts while trying to score cheap political goals. He argued that nothing could be further from the truth, adding that cyberbullying is also fuelled by fake news.
Sir Ekefre said EARCOM will reinforce its crusade against cyber-bullying, fake news and general misuse of the internet for criminal purposes, adding that every well-meaning citizen should strive to promote issues which proffer solutions to the many socio-political and economic problems of the nation rather than instigating crisis.
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