By Kelvin Adegbenga
“You can’t be distracted by the noise of misinformation” – James Daly
I recently came across a publication in the Daily Post with the headline, “Fuel queues will disappear by May 1 – NNPCL,” attributed to the Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye,
I strongly doubt it if my good friend and brother, Olufemi Soneye could have said that. Any official statement from the Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, will always come on the X handle of the NNPC Limited @nnpclimited as well as his personal X handle, @FM_Soneye.
I recalled that on Thursday, 25 April 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited came up with an official statement on the fuel scarcity which I am reproducing below for clarity’s sake:
NNPC Ltd Says Cause of Tightness in Fuel Supply Resolved
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved.
It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing.
It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.
Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja
From my further investigation, Olufemi Soneye has not spoken to any media organisation as of today, 30th April 2024 as claimed by the Daily Post report that “The Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.”
I just want to remind Daily Post that misinformation has serious consequences on society such as eroding trust in their media outfit. When people are constantly exposed to false information, you give out, they become skeptical of everything they hear, including accurate information.
I can also say that Daily Post misinformation can deepen existing divides within society by promoting extreme views or conspiracy theories. This can lead to increased polarization and hostility.
This false information can also have economic consequences, such as panic buying in the oil and gas markets.
In journalism, the rule says “When in Doubt, Leave it Out!” Since Daily Post is not sure about a bit of information concerning the fuel scarcity and supply, they should have just taken it out rather than quoting Chief Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, falsely
Kelvin Adegbenga is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. E-mail” kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com
