Workshop Advocates Responsible Use of AI in Accountability Journalism

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

WIKKITIMES Media and Publishing Limited, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, recently organized a one-day workshop titled “Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence to Drive Accountability Journalism for Social Justice.” The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, brought together journalists, journalism students, and media practitioners in Bauchi to explore the ethical and practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in investigative journalism. The workshop aimed to empower journalists with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI and other tools to promote transparency, accountability, and social justice in their work.

During the workshop, Najib Sani of Leadership Newspaper delivered an insightful presentation on the significance of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in fostering transparency and accountability. He emphasized the constitutional responsibility of journalists to hold those in power accountable and encouraged participants to fully utilize their right to access information. Sani underscored that no organization has the authority to deny journalists information, highlighting the importance of the FOI Act in investigative reporting. He lamented, however, that 16 states, including Bauchi, have yet to domesticate the Act, a situation that significantly hampers journalists’ ability to access vital information.

In his presentation, Sani elaborated on the key provisions of the FOI Act. He explained that the Act grants individuals the right to request information from public institutions and covers a wide range of records, including documents, data, and other forms of information. He also detailed the process of submitting a request, which includes identifying the relevant institution, submitting a written request, and paying any necessary fees. Public institutions, he noted, are required to respond within seven days, with provisions for directing requests to the appropriate bodies if initially misdirected. However, Sani also highlighted exemptions under the Act, such as matters related to national security and personal privacy, which could restrict access to certain information. He stressed that despite these limitations, the FOI Act remains a critical tool for investigative journalists in promoting good governance.

Adding to the discussion, Bello Ibrahim Halilu, a lecturer from the Department of Mass Communication at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, delved deeper into the challenges impeding the effective utilization of the FOI Act. Halilu pointed out that the legal framework of the Act has significant flaws, including the misuse of national security as a pretext to conceal corruption and other unethical practices. He referenced past administrations, noting how corrupt practices were often hidden under the guise of national security, only to be uncovered much later. Halilu also identified political challenges, such as the lack of political will to implement the Act, as well as judicial corruption, which undermines enforcement. He added that journalists themselves sometimes hesitate to utilize the Act due to fear of repercussions in a society deeply affected by corruption.

Halilu emphasized the urgent need for journalists, particularly those in the Northeast, to capitalize on the provisions of the FOI Act to investigate critical issues. He cited examples such as the mismanagement of security budgets and human rights abuses, particularly in states affected by insurgency like Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno. According to him, while some organizations like WIKKITIMES are making commendable efforts, there remains a significant gap in investigative reporting in the region. Halilu encouraged journalists to rise to the challenge, asserting that thorough investigative reporting could expose corruption and improve governance in the region.

The workshop also featured a lecture by Aminu Adamu Naganye, the Managing Editor of WIKKITIMES, who spoke on “Investigative Journalism: Tools and Techniques.” Naganye provided participants with practical training on various digital tools such as BudgIT for financial data analysis, Excel for organizing information, Canva for visual storytelling, and Signal for secure communication. He explained that these tools, when combined with robust journalistic practices, could enhance the depth and quality of investigative reporting.

Naganye outlined the core techniques of investigative journalism, including conducting in-depth research, interviewing sources and whistleblowers, analyzing documents and data, and crafting compelling narratives. He also emphasized the importance of fact-checking, verifying evidence, and adhering to legal and ethical standards. Additionally, he urged journalists to protect their sources and maintain objectivity while ensuring their reporting remains impactful and credible. According to Naganye, investigative journalism is a powerful tool for uncovering hidden truths and holding those in power accountable. He encouraged participants to approach their work with a sense of purpose and a commitment to ethical journalism.