In response to concerns raised by the Federal Government, Daily Trust has issued a formal apology over inaccuracies in its July 4, 2024, lead story titled, “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal”.
The report generated significant controversy and led to an official complaint lodged by the government with the National Media Complaints Commission, NMCC, an independent media ombudsman.
Following an investigation, the NMCC determined that key aspects of the story were inaccurate and did not meet the expected journalistic standards. In light of the findings, Daily Trust has published the NMCC’s full report in its September 24, 2024 edition, accepting the Commission’s verdict without hesitation.
“We sincerely apologize to the federal government for any inconvenience caused by the publication and extend our apologies to our readers and the public for the error,” the newspaper stated.
While acknowledging the misstep, Daily Trust emphasized the robustness of its editorial processes, which have served the publication well for over 25 years. However, additional measures have been taken to further strengthen internal reporting, editing, and review mechanisms.
Daily Trust reiterated its commitment to upholding the interests of its readers and fostering national unity, security, and development through truthful and balanced reporting. The publication assured the public that it remains dedicated to providing content that promotes healthy debate and accountability, without favor or bias toward any government, party, or individual.
Daily Trust thanked the NMCC for its professionalism in handling the case and expressed appreciation to the federal government, particularly Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his democratic approach. Above all, the newspaper extended gratitude to its readers, advertisers, and stakeholders for their continued trust and support.
READ ALSO: Samoa Agreement: FG drags Daily Trust before ombudsman over LGBTQ report
Credible News recalls that the Federal Government took the Daily Trust Newspapers to the Nigerian Press Councilover a report alleging that it signed an LGBTQ-themed agreement named after the Pacific Island Samoa, where it was signed last November.
The report claimed that the agreement contains some clauses that compel underdeveloped and developing nations to support the agitations by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, LGBT, community for recognition, as a condition for benefiting from a $150bn funding package, among other supports from advanced societies.
The FG argued that it was only proper for the paper to admit its report was wrong and tender an apology because of the harm it caused.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
Idris who spoke alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, lamented that Nigerians had embraced the story without reading the Samoa report.
“We have taken to the industry’s self-appointed ombudsman to look at some of the excesses, we have made a complaint to the ombudsman to look at the report and we have sighted examples of where Daily Trust has got it wrong.
“So that Daily Trust can come clean and also mention or apologize to the nation and the government.
“There is no harm in saying you are wrong in this one, we apologize and we get it right, but we don’t expect that we will just sit down and keep quiet when the government feels that what a particular newspaper has written is not in the best interest of the country and it is not correct.
“It is misinformation and therefore action needs to be taken and the action we have taken is that as we speak now complained with the ombudsman,” said Idris.
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