The Perils of Irresponsible Journalism: Setting the Record Straight on Daud Olatunji’s Attack on Ogun State Government
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications
Journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and holding government institutions accountable. However, when journalism devolves into a tool for spreading misinformation, it becomes not only dangerous but also detrimental to the progress of society. A recent example of such irresponsible journalism is the report authored by Daud Olatunji, which falsely accuses the Ogun State Government of budgeting nearly N1 billion for non-existent ministries The report, published on *Platform Times*, is riddled with inaccuracies and a clear disregard for journalistic ethics, raising serious concerns about the motivations behind this attack.
In his so-called investigative report, Olatunji claimed that the Dapo Abiodun administration had allocated funds to ministries that do not exist, insinuating that the government was diverting public resources through opaque means. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that this report is not only misleading but a deliberate attempt to tarnish the government’s image.
Last year, Governor Dapo Abiodun publicly announced plans to establish new ministries, including the Ministries of Mineral Resources, ICT, Digital Economy, and Energy. These ministries are part of the administration’s broader vision to harness Ogun State’s economic potential and position it for future growth. Despite the logistical challenges that have delayed their formal establishment, budgetary provisions were prudently made to ensure that once operational, these ministries would have the necessary financial backing to function effectively.
Rather than commend the government for its foresight, Olatunji chose to twist the narrative. By claiming that the government is spending money on non-existent ministries, he misrepresents the very nature of budgeting, which is a financial projection for a given fiscal year. These allocations were made transparently and uploaded on the Ogun State Government’s website, available for public scrutiny. Yet, Olatunji failed to engage in the basic practice of seeking clarification from government officials before jumping to erroneous conclusions.
This is not the first time Daud Olatunji has engaged in such unethical behaviour. Known for his sensationalism and a history of peddling fake news, Olatunji’s career has been tainted by multiple scandals. Before founding *Platform Times*, he was dismissed from reputable media outlets like *The Punch*, *Vanguard*, and *The Nigerian Tribune* for publishing fabricated stories and engaging in unethical conduct. His latest report follows the same pattern of blackmail and misinformation, aimed at discrediting the Ogun State Government without any basis, in fact.
One must question Olatunji’s motives. If his intention was truly to investigate the budget, why did he not reach out to the Budget Ministry or the relevant government officials for clarification? Instead, he chose to publish falsehoods, relying on half-truths and deliberate omissions. The report claims that the government’s budgeting process is opaque, yet how can this be the case when the very budget he cites is available online for all to see?
Olatunji’s decision to frame the government’s prudent financial planning as an act of corruption is not just irresponsible—it is an outright attack on the principles of accountability and transparency that Governor Abiodun’s administration upholds. The ministries in question have yet to become operational due to logistical issues, but no funds have been misused. The budgetary provisions remain intact, awaiting the ministries’ eventual takeoff. In any case, the year 2024 is far from over, and it is entirely plausible that the ministries will commence operations before the fiscal year ends.
The damage caused by Olatunji’s report, however, goes beyond just this false narrative. By continuously publishing misleading information, he undermines public trust in journalism and misleads citizens who rely on the media for accurate information. His actions are a reminder of the dangers posed by unscrupulous journalists who put personal gain or vendettas above the truth.
In a time when citizens are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders, it is essential for journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Irresponsible journalism, like that practised by Olatunji, only serves to erode the credibility of the media and harm the very society it is supposed to serve. Instead of informing the public, his report spreads confusion and sows distrust.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration remains committed to transparency and accountability. All budgetary allocations are publicly available, and no amount of misinformation can alter this fact. The government’s plans to establish new ministries, including Mineral Resources, ICT, Digital Economy, and Energy, are part of its strategic vision to drive Ogun State’s growth in vital sectors. These initiatives reflect the forward-thinking leadership of the administration, which continues to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
In conclusion, Daud Olatunji’s report is yet another example of how irresponsible journalism can harm public discourse. The Ogun State Government remains focused on its developmental agenda, and the public is urged to dismiss these baseless claims from *Platform Times*. It is time for journalists like Olatunji to be held accountable for their actions and for the media to return to its rightful role as a tool for truth and enlightenment rather than deceit and manipulation.
