Governor Mbah Calls for Enhanced Investigative Journalism Amidst Misinformation Surge

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has issued a compelling call for Nigerian journalists to elevate their commitment to investigative journalism during a time when misinformation—often exacerbated by artificial intelligence—poses a significant threat to public discourse. Speaking at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC 2026) in Enugu, Mbah highlighted the critical role that both the media and government play in serving the interests of Nigerians, despite their differing responsibilities.

The governor humorously referred to the conference as a temporary “ceasefire” between the government and the media, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability from officials. He stated, “Government must be transparent about what it is doing and be accountable for the results. The press must establish the facts and report the truth.” His remarks reflect a growing concern that the integrity of journalism is at risk, with sensationalism often overshadowing the need for accurate reporting.

Mbah urged journalists to resist the temptation to allow investigative journalism to fade into obscurity, emphasizing the necessity for newsrooms to differentiate between mere attention-grabbing content and the substantive issues that the public needs to be informed about. “Rigorous journalism is not about finding evidence to support a position already taken, nor should it become another arena for political grandstanding,” he asserted, advocating for an approach that values thorough scrutiny and factual accuracy.

In a powerful message to the media, Mbah called for a standard of independent examination that applies equally to government statements and critical commentary. He encouraged journalists to “examine the evidence, test competing claims, and establish what actually happened,” reinforcing the idea that the pursuit of truth must remain at the forefront of journalistic endeavors. As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of misinformation, the governor’s call to action serves as a reminder of the vital role the press plays in safeguarding democracy and public trust.