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Bolaji Akinyemi,
the former minister of foreign affairs, has called for a code of
conduct for Nigerian journalists. Speaking in Lagos yesterday, at the
launch of a book, “A decade of democracy,” written by Sanya Onayoade,
the former minister called on journalists to stop publishing pictures
of dead bodies in the media. He also decried the practice of the police
parading crime suspects in the media. He said, “Even if the police do
it [parade crime suspects], the media, knowing better, should not do
so.” Mr. Akinyemi commended the author of the book for taking the pains
to document a detailed record of Nigeria’s democracy in the last 10
years. He said Nigeria’s is bedevilled by incorrect details, especially
where it concerns the dead whose accounts are often misrepresented by
the living.

Distorted facts

The former minister
who spoke as the chairman at the book launch said: “What we have today
is people coming up with manufactured and twisted facts to suit their
own intentions, especially because some concerned people, who can
corroborate the facts, are already dead. A nation that cannot agree on
its history is a nation in crisis.”

He called for a concerted effort, from journalists and historians, to ensure Nigeria’s recent history is documented in earnest.

Alex Akinyele, a
former information minister, also backed the call for a code of conduct
for journalists. In his remarks, Fredrick Fasheun, the founder and
president of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress, reiterated the agitation of
the Yoruba ethnic nation for a sovereign national conference and true
federalism. He pleaded with all Nigerians to ensure they register and
vote in 2011, while also chiding the National Assembly members for
their recent unruly acts.

“Democracy where people have turned the chambers into boxing ring is no democracy,” he said.

Mr. Onayoade, the
author, said he decided to write the book to preserve the history of
the last 10 years for young Nigerians whose minds are prone to warped
tales from politicians.

“I don’t want my kids growing up reading wrong historical facts,” he said, recommending the book to all Nigerians.

Dele Alake, a
former information commissioner in Lagos State, who launched the book
said the book is a must-read for everyone aspiring to be leaders in
Nigeria. “Nigeria needs a leader who has knowledge, vision,

and will but we
have not been fortunate to have a president in the last decade that has
the three qualities. This book should be read by aspiring leaders in
Nigeria,” he said.

He described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the most
courageous president we have had but one that lacks the prerequisite
knowledge and vision and the late President Musa Yar’Adua as the exact
opposite of Mr. Obasanjo.