ECHOES FROM THE PROGRESSIVE DIGITAL MEDIA SUMMIT:
Who Will Police the Police?
By Fidelis Egugbo
As a journalist, I understand how challenging though not impossible it is to win a libel or defamation case against a fellow journalist. Whenever I’m consulted about suing a journalist for such offenses, I typically recommend an out-of-court settlement. Some attribute this counsel not just to my media background or training in public relations, but also to the unspoken principle of esprit de corps—that notion that “dogs don’t eat dogs.”
Beyond loyalty, there is also the reality that media-related court cases often drag on for years. Each court appearance generates renewed publicity, reviving the original issue in public discourse and sometimes worsening the damage.
In short, suing a journalist often backfires, especially for the plaintiff.
On August 1–2, 2025, I was privileged to be among those nominated by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, to attend the Progressive Digital Media Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. For us “traditional journalists,” the summit was a real eye-opener.”
I mingled with social media influencers, learning firsthand the complexities and challenges of navigating today’s digital platforms. While we, as trained journalists, are bound by ethics—balancing stories, avoiding defamation, and striving for objectivity, on social media, anything goes.
When the speakers began discussing the culture of “dragging,” I recalled a personal experience. A professional story I had published was misinterpreted by a media team, and the next thing I heard was: “Let’s drag him.”
In social media parlance, “dragging” means launching an online smear campaign often based on fabricated claims aimed solely at tarnishing reputations. In such cases, facts don’t matter. The goal is maximum damage, often against people whose credibility was established long before their attackers ever owned a smartphone.
With millions of Nigerians active on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, social media has become a potent weapon. And like all weapons, its impact depends on who is wielding it.
Self-styled influencers thrive on controversy. In Nigeria, if you dare challenge or criticize them, their followers will pounce often without verifying the facts. It’s mob justice in digital form.
Globally, social media has become an indispensable political tool. In some countries, it’s tightly regulated. In others, certain platforms are outrightly banned. Here in Nigeria, though laws exist, enforcement is inconsistent. As the saying goes, “Laws in Nigeria apply to…” well, you know the rest.
Of course, Delta nor dey carry last. Deltans turned out in large numbers at the summit. Many nominated by Governor Oborevwori displayed impressive knowledge of digital media. Others came on their own accord, showing strong democratic interest.
While at the summit, a colleague called from Asaba and asked, “Bros, I’m enjoying what you people are doing there. Hope they’ll replicate it in Delta?”
I laughed and replied, “Are you interested in the training or the brown envelope?”
That’s because my friend and brother, Ossai Ovie Success, is also organizing a Social Media Summit in Asaba. And in today’s economic reality, no one begrudges a little token for participants. Having organized the Maris Annual Public Service Lectures, I understand the sacrifices people make to attend knowledge-sharing events. Learning is not cheap anywhere in the world.
At the summit, one hot-button topic stood out: Regulating Social Media. This sparked a spirited debate between me and my colleague-turned-summit-partner, Comrade Dennis Otu. Is regulation a ploy to gag the press—or a necessary step to protect the innocent?
President Bola Tinubu, who declared the summit open, lauded digital media users:
“You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability. But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility… Build businesses. Create uplifting content. Foster unity, not division… You are not waiting for the future—you are building it.”
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, described participants as the “vanguard of a reborn Nigeria,” while Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lamented:
“Social media is not a fair battleground. It’s often chaotic, unregulated, and driven by misinformation, clickbait, and AI-generated content.”
The summit convener, Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, deserves credit for pulling off such a significant event. But one question still lingers in the minds of participants and many Nigerians:
Will social media ever be effectively regulated in Nigeria?
Who will police the police?
The media, as the Fourth Estate, plays a vital role in checking the excesses of power. But what happens when so-called “influencers” unleash coordinated attacks on well-meaning individuals immune to accountability and backed by cult-like followings?
If “dogs don’t eat dogs” in journalism, will journalists call out rogue colleagues who misuse their platforms? And with every politician having a social media team often weaponized against critics can regulation truly be impartial?
Still, in typical Delta fashion, we made our presence felt.
Dr. Samuel Fadele, Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, and Dr. Nelson Egware, Executive Assistant on Media, among others, contributed immensely to the summit’s success.
I personally thank Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, who didn’t hesitate: “This is an opportunity to learn, go!” And to Sir Christopher Osakwe, his Deputy Chief of Staff, who said: “Don’t worry, we’ll make it happen,” I say thank you.
To all who worked behind the scenes, you know yourselves, your efforts made this a hitch-free, impactful event.
As Rev. Fr. John Konyeke often says, “Aka Chukwu di ya”- God’s hand is in it.
A Well-Deserved Honour
At the summit’s grand dinner, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, received the prestigious South-South Governor of the Year Award to thunderous applause.
The award was presented in recognition of his visionary leadership, performance, and commitment to digital inclusion across the South-South region. His achievements in infrastructure, human capital development, and governance transparency since May 29, 2023, earned him this well-deserved honour.
About Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Born June 19, 1963, in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori attended Alegbo Primary School, Effurun, and later Oghareki Grammar School. He earned a B.Sc. in Political Science from Ambrose Alli University and an M.Sc. in the same field from Delta State University, Abraka.
A grassroots politician, he was elected Councilor in 1996 and later served as Supervisory Councillor for Works. As pioneer Chairman of Osubi Community (1996–2003), he spearheaded numerous development projects and was honoured with the traditional title Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom.
Today, as Governor of Delta State, he remains committed to progress, equity, and transformation. He is happily married with children.
Comrade Fidelis Egugbo is the Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme.
