Bishop Ikeakor Warns Journalists: Silence on Truth Makes Reporter “Deadlier Than Terrorist”
By Blessing Dennis
The Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has charged journalists to uphold truth, courage and professional responsibility, warning that a reporter who knows the truth but fails to report it can become more dangerous to society than a terrorist.
Bishop Ikeakor made the declaration while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of the 35th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, and the NUJ Anambra State Man of the Year Awards.
He urged journalists to use the 35th anniversary to reflect on the journey of the profession, assess its current state and determine the direction it should take, stressing that the recognition of the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm comes with a responsibility to scrutinise government and influence those in authority to act in the interest of the people.
The Bishop expressed concern over what he described as the decline of investigative journalism and urged media practitioners to return to thorough investigation, verification and factual reporting.
He warned journalists against sacrificing truth for personal comfort, financial benefits, political patronage or other interests, stressing that the credibility of journalism depends on the courage of practitioners to report what is right.
According to him, responsible journalism goes beyond simply publishing information, as journalists must verify their sources, investigate issues properly and provide sufficient context to ensure that the truth is not distorted.
“Any reporter who knows the truth and does not report it is deadlier than a terrorist,” Ikeakor declared.
He described the greatest tool of a journalist as not merely the pen but the “spine,” which he said represents the moral courage required to withstand pressure and remain committed to professional ethics.
Ikeakor also cautioned journalists and media organisations against conflicts of interest, noting that allowing financial or political considerations to influence editorial decisions could erode public confidence in the media.
He urged journalists to report accurately, fairly and independently, warning against the rush to publish unverified information simply to be the first to break a story.
The Bishop further emphasised the role of journalism in sustaining democracy, noting that the media serves as a critical check on power and provides citizens with the information needed to hold leaders accountable.
He congratulated the NUJ Anambra State Council on its 35th anniversary and called on journalists to make the milestone a renewed commitment to truth, professional ethics, courage and service to society.
