Why Fisayo Soyombo Must Embrace Ethical Investigative Practices, Shun Mob Journalism
By Hajia Mariam Isiaka
In the realm of journalism, a pen is a powerful instrument. It can bring to light injustices, uncover truths, and hold those in power accountable. However, when wielded without integrity, a pen can become a tool of harm, spreading misinformation and damaging reputations.
This is a concern that has been raised regarding the investigative practices of Fisayo Soyombo and his Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). One of the most troubling aspects of Soyombo’s approach is his apparent reliance on questionable sources without proper verification. In journalism, the accuracy of information is paramount.
A story that lacks proof not only fails in its duty to inform but also risks misleading the public and causing undue harm. This issue is evident in some of Soyombo’s reports, which have been criticized for their lack of substantiated evidence. A recent example underscores this point.
On Twitter, Soyombo highlighted an incident involving Nigerian Customs officers and VIOs, contrasting it with another incident where Ibrahim Dende allegedly assaulted a Customs officer. Soyombo’s tweet read: “The attention of Nigeria Customs was drawn to the confrontation of its junior officers with VIOs, but where was this attention when IBD Dende assaulted a Customs officer. Obscene, this selective attraction of attention.” This statement not only reflects an alarming tendency to draw premature conclusions but also suggests a personal vendetta against Dende.
The role of an investigative journalist is not to seek attention or bring down individuals based on unverified claims. Journalism should be about the pursuit of truth, not personal agendas. The tweet in question appears to be more about gaining public attention rather than providing a balanced and thoroughly researched account of events.
It is essential for Soyombo to desist from what seems to be a personal vendetta against Ibrahim Dende. There have been assertions that Dende has never been arrested but was only invited for brief questioning by the Nigerian Customs. Superior investigations have reportedly confirmed this, suggesting that Soyombo’s claims may be exaggerated or unfounded.
This kind of carelessness in reporting not only undermines the credibility of the journalist but also erodes public trust in the media as a whole. A pen should not lose its soul for pecuniary need. When journalism forsakes its ethical principles for sensationalism, it becomes a viper, ready to strike without regard for truth or fairness. Soyombo’s approach raises serious questions about the ethical foundation of his work.
Investigative journalism is a demanding field that requires a rigorous commitment to accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. It is not for those who are willing to compromise these values for personal gain or notoriety. Soyombo is advised to stick to straightforward news reporting if investigative journalism proves too challenging.
The latter demands meticulous verification of facts, balanced perspectives, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. These are qualities that seem to be lacking in some of Soyombo’s recent works. Moreover, playing on the emotional intelligence of Nigerians under the guise of exposing corruption is deeply problematic. If the stories being told are based on falsehoods or half-truths, they do a disservice to the public and to the causes they claim to champion.
The credibility of a journalist hinges on the trust of the audience, and that trust is built on a foundation of truth and integrity. The concerns surrounding Soyombo’s recent reports, particularly those involving Ibrahim Dende and the Nigerian Customs, are not to be taken lightly.
While investigative journalism is crucial for uncovering truths and holding the powerful accountable, it must be practiced with utmost diligence and ethical responsibility. Unverified claims and biased reporting can cause significant harm to individuals and erode the public’s trust in the media. Investigative journalism should strive for balance and impartiality. Reports must include perspectives from all involved parties and provide context that helps the audience understand the complete picture.
This balance is crucial for maintaining credibility and trust with the readership. The impact of journalistic reports on individuals’ personal and professional lives cannot be understated. Accusations and negative portrayals must be based on solid evidence and presented fairly. The potential consequences of careless reporting are too severe to ignore. Journalistic integrity demands that personal vendettas or biases do not influence reporting.
Ensuring that work is free from such influences is essential for maintaining journalistic standards and public trust. Given these concerns, Soyombo should reassess his investigative methods and commit to the highest standards of journalism.
The role of an investigative journalist is indeed challenging, but it is vital to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. The path forward for Soyombo and the FIJ is clear: a recommitment to ethical journalism.
Only through this can they hope to regain the trust of their audience and fulfill their role as watchdogs of society. The pen must never lose its soul, for when it does, it becomes a viper, striking without conscience and causing harm where it should heal.
Mariam is the co-convener of Accountability Hub International and a public affairs analyst.
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