Disinformation, ethics and reality: Appraisal of the duties and functions of press secretaries in Nigeria

Abstract

Truthful public communication by press secretaries is a sine qua non for good governance and public safety. Thus, ethical codes in both journalism and public relations, the two professions their practitioners mostly serve as press secretaries, are expected to shape their conduct in office. This study sought to find out if these ethical stipulations are adhered to by press secretaries in Nigeria, particularly in the area of disseminating truth, rather than disinformation. The study adopted the survey design. Using a purposive sample of 187 lecturers drawn from five universities in Abuja and its environs, it used a questionnaire as its instrument of data collection. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. The findings showed, among other things, that most of the respondents think press secretaries practise disinformation and put their principals’ interests above public interest for economic gain, thereby promoting bad governance and insecurity. The study, therefore, recommended, inter alia, that the NUJ and NIPR should periodically organise training sessions to remind members of their job specifications and ethics and sanction erring members who are press secretaries, rather than giving them awards for walking in the corridors of power.