Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has shared a personal ordeal concerning the ill impact of fake news on his marriage of 40 years.
Speaking at an event in Lagos commemorating Prof. Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday, Mohammed recounted how social media misinformation almost jeopardized his marriage.
He described a late-night encounter with his wife, who woke him to address a distressing issue. She revealed her concern over a fabricated story circulating online, alleging that Mohammed possessed a staggering $1.3 billion in an overseas account.
Shocked by the accusation, Mohammed spent hours debunking the false claims, using budget documents to illustrate the impossibility of the news to his wife.
The incident shed light on the pervasive nature of fake news and its potential to undermine personal relationships and public trust.
Mohammed emphasized the need for vigilance against misinformation, citing examples of fake news targeting government officials, including false reports of President Buhari’s death.
He urged media outlets to combat the spread of false information and hold social media platforms accountable for amplifying disinformation. Mohammed advocated for regulatory measures to safeguard freedom of expression while curbing the dissemination of harmful content online.
