President Bola Tinubu has called on journalists across the country to maintain professionalism, accuracy, and ethical standards in their work, emphasizing that responsible journalism is essential for the survival of democracy.
He made the appeal on Thursday during the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he described the media as a vital institution that partners with government in strengthening democratic governance and ensuring national stability.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom, stating that he has consistently supported and defended the rights of the media throughout his political career and would continue to do so.
However, the President stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised with caution, responsibility, and integrity, noting that journalists have a duty to report accurately and verify facts.
He expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence being used to generate misleading content.
According to him, journalists must avoid becoming channels for false or unverified information that could harm national security or erode public trust.
Tinubu noted that the relationship between government and the media is a critical democratic partnership, where both sides play different but complementary roles.
He explained that while government is responsible for leadership and policymaking, the media’s role is to scrutinize those in power, ask difficult questions, and ensure accountability.
The President added that such scrutiny remains important for transparent governance, describing the natural tension between government and the media as necessary in a healthy democracy.
He also called for stronger collaboration between public officials and journalists, urging both sides to adopt constructive engagement rather than unnecessary hostility.
Bola Tinubu further stated that in today’s social media-driven world, credible journalism is more important than ever, encouraging media practitioners to prioritise facts, substance, and credibility over sensationalism, clickbait, and the chase for online attention.
He also reminded journalists that freedom of expression does not give room for defamation or deliberate misinformation, stressing that rights must always be accompanied by responsibility.
Defending laws such as the Cybercrimes Act, the President said the legislation was created to safeguard citizens and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s information space, not to suppress press freedom.
On the economy, Tinubu said his administration’s reforms are beginning to produce positive results, noting improvements in public revenue, investor confidence, and key economic indicators.
He also highlighted progress in security operations, saying military activities have intensified, intelligence gathering has improved, and several communities previously threatened by criminal elements have been reclaimed.
Bola Tinubu expressed hope that the annual State House Media Corps dinner would grow into a lasting platform for better cooperation, understanding, and partnership between the Presidency and the media.
BACKSTORY:
President Bola Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation, fake news, and manipulated content across both traditional and digital media platforms in Nigeria.
In recent years, the rise of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content has increased the speed at which unverified information circulates, often shaping public opinion before facts are properly established.
The issue has sparked ongoing debates about the balance between press freedom, responsible journalism, and national security, especially as governments and media organisations continue to navigate the challenges of the digital information age.
Tinubu’s comments also come at a time when questions around media regulation, cybercrime laws, and the role of journalists in safeguarding democracy remain central to public discourse, with many stakeholders calling for greater accountability and professionalism in news reporting.
