Media Misrepresentation: INEC Staff’s Farewell to Yakubu, an Act of Appreciation
By Oru Leonard
As the editor of News Dot Africa Online Newspaper who regularly covers events of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I, Oru Leonard Oru, was present at the signing off event of the Outgone INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood.
I must say that the send-off given to Professor Yakubu Mahmood by the staff of INEC at their Headquarters was truly a rousing exit and an act of a heartfelt appreciation.
The staff’s display of love and respect was evident in the way they sang a heartfelt farewell song, filled with admiration and respect, as he exited the premises.
It is unfortunate that some media outlets misrepresented this gesture, twisting it into a negative narrative by claiming it was a “funeral song.” This portrayal is not only false but also intentionally crafted to spread disinformation.
I concur with Rotimi Oyekanmi, was Chief Press Secretary to Professor Yakubu that, the staff’s actions were a genuine show of appreciation and respect. Any attempt to frame it otherwise is dishonest and shameful.
The staff’s song was a celebration of Professor Yakubu’s leadership and a testament to the impact he had on the commission. It is essential for journalists to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and accuracy in reporting, rather than resorting to sensationalism and misrepresentation.
In my opinion, this incident highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify facts before publishing. The truth about the event is evident, and it’s crucial that we respect the facts and give credit where it is due.
