Two of Nigeria’s leading broadcast stations, Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television, have issued apologies to the Department of State Services (DSS) over their coverage of a recent incident at the Lagos State House of Assembly. Naija247news reports that the apologies come after the DSS accused the media houses of publishing “misleading and unverified reports” that allegedly misrepresented the agency’s role in the event.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the controversy stemmed from a report aired by both stations last week, which suggested that DSS operatives were involved in a security breach at the Lagos Assembly. The report claimed that the operatives attempted to intimidate lawmakers during a plenary session, a claim the DSS has vehemently denied.
Naija247news gathered that the DSS, in a strongly worded statement, described the report as “false and malicious,” adding that it undermined the agency’s reputation and operational integrity. “The DSS was not involved in any such incident, and the report was based on unverified information,” the statement read.
In response, AIT and Channels TV issued separate apologies, acknowledging errors in their reporting. “We regret any inconvenience caused by our report and assure the public of our commitment to accurate and responsible journalism,” AIT stated in its apology. Similarly, Channels TV expressed regret and pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in its reporting.
Naija247news understands that the incident has sparked a debate about media responsibility and the need for thorough fact-checking before publishing sensitive stories. Media analysts have called for greater collaboration between security agencies and journalists to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
According to Naija247news, the Lagos State House of Assembly has also clarified that the incident in question did not involve the DSS. A spokesperson for the Assembly told Naija247news that the security breach was caused by unauthorized individuals who were promptly apprehended by the police.
Naija247news reports that the DSS has accepted the apologies and urged media organizations to exercise caution when reporting on security matters. “We appreciate the swift response from AIT and Channels TV. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate reporting, especially on issues involving national security,” the DSS stated.
As the dust settles, Naija247news gathered that both media houses are reviewing their editorial processes to prevent similar occurrences. The incident has also highlighted the delicate relationship between the media and security agencies, with calls for improved communication and mutual respect.
Apologies from AIT and Channels TV have brought closure to the controversy, but the incident serves as a cautionary tale for media organizations nationwide.
