In today’s hyper-connected world, where a single tweet can go viral in seconds, the way Nigerian leaders are portrayed in the media has far-reaching consequences. Prof. Peter Esuh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, is sounding the alarm. He’s calling on journalists, bloggers, and social media users to stop unfairly painting Nigerian leaders in a negative light. Why? Because it’s damaging the country’s reputation on the global stage. Let’s dive into why this matters and what needs to change.
The Problem: How Negative Portrayals Hurt Nigeria
Prof. Esuh, an expert in Corporate Communication, Marketing, and Applied Rhetorics, isn’t mincing words. He’s worried about the way Nigerians, especially on social media, react to issues involving their leaders. “I am worried about the way we react to issues as Nigerians,” he said during a recent interview. “Traditional mediums of communication have a way of protecting a country, but social media is a different beast.”
He pointed out that many Nigerians don’t realize that platforms like Twitter and Facebook are global stages. “We just think that when we type something on Twitter, it’s only seen here, or once we go on Facebook, it’s only seen here. These are all global media, and they are ways through which the global village has been actualized.”
In other words, what happens online doesn’t stay online—it shapes how the world sees Nigeria.
A Case in Point: The Udom Emmanuel EFCC Invitation
Prof. Esuh didn’t just speak in generalities. He pointed to a recent example: the invitation of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Esuh, many reports on the issue were unbalanced and sensationalized.
“Most of the reports on the issue were not balanced,” he observed. “This kind of reporting does more harm than good, both to the individuals involved and to the nation as a whole.”
The lesson? Sensationalism might get clicks, but it comes at a cost—Nigeria’s reputation.
The Solution: Fact-Based Journalism
So, what’s the way forward? Prof. Esuh is calling for a return to fact-based journalism. He wants media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, fairness, and professionalism over sensationalism. “We need to be more responsible in our news reportage,” he said. “Sensationalism might attract clicks and views, but it comes at the cost of our national dignity and professional ethics.”
In short, it’s time to focus on telling the truth in a way that reflects positively on Nigeria.
The Role of Social Media Influencers and Bloggers
Prof. Esuh also had a message for social media influencers and bloggers: with great power comes great responsibility. “Social media influencers and bloggers have a responsibility to ensure their content is balanced and fair,” he said. “They must understand that their words and actions have consequences, not just for individuals but for the entire nation.”
In a world where anyone with a smartphone can become a content creator, this reminder is more important than ever.
Why This Matters: Nigeria’s Global Image
Nigeria’s global image is at stake. Negative portrayals of leaders can deter foreign investment, damage diplomatic relations, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Prof. Esuh’s call for responsible journalism is a timely reminder of the media’s power to shape perceptions—both at home and abroad.
Key Takeaways
Prof. Peter Esuh is urging media practitioners to stop unfairly portraying Nigerian leaders, as it damages the country’s global reputation.
Social media platforms are global stages, and what’s posted online can shape how the world sees Nigeria.
Sensationalized reporting, like coverage of Udom Emmanuel’s EFCC invitation, does more harm than good.
Fact-based journalism is the solution, prioritizing accuracy and fairness over clicks and views.
Social media influencers and bloggers must also take responsibility for their content.