President Bola Tinubu has described the relationship between government and the media as one of healthy tension, saying such a dynamic is both inevitable and necessary for a thriving democracy.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Thursday at the inaugural Presidential Dinner with the State House Press Corps (SHPC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said the government and the press should regard themselves as partners committed to strengthening democratic governance rather than adversaries.
“Tonight, we gather not as adversaries but as partners in the service of our democracy. Yes, there is tension between the government and the press, but that is the nature of democracy. The government must act; the media must watch. The government must explain; the media must question when necessary. It is this healthy tension that strengthens our Republic.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom but stressed that constitutional rights must be exercised with professionalism, responsibility and the national interest in mind.
He warned journalists against allowing their platforms to be used by terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups to spread fear and propaganda.
“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation.”
The President urged media practitioners to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest when reporting security issues, cautioning that irresponsible reporting could undermine efforts to combat insecurity.
“On matters of current affairs and the security of our nation, Nigeria must always come first. You must think about Nigeria first.
“We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do.”
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a challenge, Tinubu said security agencies had recorded significant gains through sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among agencies.
“At a time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralising thousands of criminal elements and rescuing hostages, the media should not become platforms for those who wish us harm.
“They want you and I to be afraid of one another. We will not surrender to fear and crisis.”
Describing the media as a pillar of democracy, the President said freedom of speech and press freedom are fundamental rights that must be exercised responsibly.
“What are we enjoying today? Democracy. This democracy rests on the foundation of freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association and free expression. They are the bedrock of an open and democratic society.
“We must all remember that those rights come with responsibilities.”
Tinubu also challenged journalists to uphold the highest ethical standards in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly.
“Choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clicks.”
He cautioned that constitutional freedoms should not be abused.
“Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to disseminate falsehood. Public trust is earned through fairness, accuracy and responsibility.”
The President defended the Cybercrimes Act, insisting it was enacted to safeguard citizens against malicious falsehoods, identity theft and other forms of digital abuse rather than to stifle the media.
“Nigeria has enacted laws, including the Cybercrimes Act, to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods, identity theft and other digital abuses. These laws are not meant to weaken the press but to protect our citizens and the integrity of our information ecosystem.”
Reviewing his administration’s economic policies, Tinubu said difficult but necessary reforms implemented over the past three years were beginning to yield positive results. He cited stronger public revenues, rising investor confidence, increased foreign reserves and growing investments across key sectors as evidence that the reforms were laying a solid foundation for long-term economic growth.
He added that his administration would continue to prioritise security and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity despite existing challenges.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also called on journalists to exercise restraint in reporting security-related issues, warning against headlines that could inadvertently glorify terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal organisations.
He said ethical journalism should promote national unity while remaining committed to truth, fairness and professionalism.
Idris further highlighted government efforts to strengthen the media industry, including the establishment of a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute and the rollout of the FreeTV digital broadcasting platform.
Earlier, Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Dr Emmanuel Anule, appealed to the President to make the Presidential Dinner an annual engagement between the Presidency and journalists covering the seat of government.
According to him, the initiative would deepen dialogue, reduce misconceptions and strengthen mutual trust while reinforcing the corps’ commitment to fair, factual and professional journalism.
The event was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, media executives and members of the State House Press Corps.
Awards were also presented to distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development. Honourees included FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, industrialist Aliko Dangote, businessman Tony Elumelu, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, former presidential spokesman Segun Adeniyi, veteran Reuters correspondent Felix Onuah, non-linear editor Nicholas Okechukwu, the late Baba Ladan Abubakar, who received a posthumous award, and State House Press Corps Chairman Emmanuel Anule.
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