DSS Seeks Support from Bloggers on Security, Crime Prevention
Members of the Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria (GPBN) have been enjoined to support the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in ensuring security of lives and prevention of crimes in the country through formidable partnership.
State Deputy Director, Ahmed Ade made the appeal when he recieved delegation of the Guild at the State Headquarters of the agency in Lagos led by its Acting President, Chris Kehinde Nwandu (CKC).
Ade noted that cyber crimes have recently taken newer dimensions in the country but the agency which frowns at the level is poised to frustrate perpetrators of such acts, “but needs the cooperation and support of media professionals who should see themselves as stakeholders and Patriots in the fight”.
He observed that though crime is being perpetuated by some unpatriotic Nigerians, the level is not as high as these are being magnified in the media compared to what obtains in many advanced countries.
“We do not wish to reach the level some of these countries are presently fighting, hence we solicit media suport”, said Ade.
He enjoined media practitioners to see themselves first and foremost as Patriots, which should reflect in the content of news delivery “especially when reporting sensitive issues bordering on National interest”.
The DSS assures Nigerians that its doors are always open at any given time to volunteers of sensitive information that will lead to the prevention of crimes anywhere in the country.
He commended the idea behind the formation of Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria; urging Bloggers to always verify all information being published in order avoid unnecessary litigation.
Nwandu in his remarks urged the Agency “to open a more robust means of communication for Nigerians to report issues relating to crime without unnecessarily endangering their lives especially when such privileged information gets into the hands of same people being accused”.
Nwandu appeals to the Security outfit to ensure it builds more confidence and trust in Nigerians so that they will be willing to volunteer information without fear to their lives.
The GPBN according to its President, Chris Kehinde Nwandu was formed in order to streamline the practice of Blogging and Online Media Practices.
Its aims and objectives are to bring some level of Professionalism into the Profession bearing in mind inherent ethical behaviours.
The Association pledged to support the efforts of the DSS and other relevant Security Agencies towards achieving their core mandates and desired results.
It also seeks the support of the Security Agency in the area of unhindered access to information on the activities of the Agency as the law establishing the Agency permits.