Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has again lashed out at CNN, saying the international broadcaster allowed itself to be misled by “fake news” in the investigative report following the October 20 incident involving security operatives and #EndSARS protesters.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos, Mohammed said the Federal Government awaits the outcome of a probe at CNN headquarters over the report.
CNN had reported that soldiers fired live bullets at protesters in Lekki, Lagos, killing several. But the Federal Government and the military said blank bullets were used.
“Even an international broadcaster like CNN was misled by fake news and disinformation. But CNN has itself to blame for relying on unauthenticated videos, which it took from social media. Now, CNN is seeking to save face by trying to clarify its report, which was not only inaccurate but failed the simple test of balance and fairness. The attempt to walk back its earlier report has justifiably attracted the anger of Nigerians,” the minister said.
“As you all know, the Federal Government has written a letter to CNN asking it to use its own internal mechanism to probe its so-called investigative report on the Lekki Toll Gate incident. We have received an acknowledgement of our letter, saying the letter has been referred to CNN’s Editorial Team. We await the outcome of their probe. But CNN has egg on its face for airing an ‘exclusive investigation’ that is hinged on nothing but fake news.”
He also knocked a United Kingdom Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat who claimed during a debate at the parliament that Nigeria’s ex-military ruler Yakubu Gowon laundered half of public funds in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“The flippant MP, who unfortunately chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons, did a great disservice to himself, the Committee he chairs and the entire Parliament by allowing himself to be misled by fake news exponents. Fittingly, the British Government has distanced itself from him,” Mohammed said.
He also emphasised the government’s resolve in regulating social media.
“Call it regulation or whatever, we have to do something most urgently,” he said.
On the recent killing of 43 farmers by Boko Haram fighters in Zabarmari community in Borno State, the minister said: “The truth is that Boko Haram is badly degraded and can only carry out cowardly attacks like the one against defenceless farmers over the weekend. We urge Nigerians not to lose hope in the capability and commitment of the military to rout the terrorists. Rather, we should continue to support the men and women in uniform, who are fighting the terrorists with grit and determination.”
