Truth Over Trends: Why I Declined an Interview That Lacked Professional Balance _By Mal. Ibrahim M. Nura

Potiskum LGA Eyes
@muhammadnuraibrahim848393
2 months ago

I recently received an invitation to appear on an online podcast, an opportunity I initially considered as part of responsible public engagement. As a journalist, I value platforms that promote informed dialogue, especially on matters of governance and public interest.

In line with professional standards, I requested access to the interview questions beforehand. That review, however, raised serious concerns.

The proposed questions were largely focused on the Yobe State Government, particularly the sensitive issue surrounding the succession of H.E. Mai Mala Buni, the Executive Governor of Yobe State. While these are legitimate subjects in public discourse, the way they were framed told a different story.

Many of the questions were leading, speculative, and built around assumptions that lacked factual grounding; rather than encouraging clarity and balanced discussion, they appeared structured to provoke controversy and steer responses toward a particular narrative. This approach falls short of the basic principles of credible journalism.

Journalism is not about chasing reactions; it is about pursuing truth. It requires neutrality, verification, and respect for both the subject and the audience. When questions are designed to influence rather than inform, the integrity of the entire process is compromised.

Faced with this reality, I made the decision to decline the interview. It was not a rejection of engagement but a commitment to uphold the standards that give journalism its credibility.

In today’s fast-paced media environment, where attention often competes with accuracy, it is important to draw a clear line. Not every platform reflects professionalism, and not every conversation serves the public interest.

In the end, journalism must remain anchored in truth, not trends.

Mal. Ibrahim M. Nura
Special Assistant on Information and Communication
Office of the Executive Chairman Potiskum Local Government Area.

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