Tinubu cautions media against acting as megaphones for terrorists
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to prioritize national interest over sensationalism, warning that irresponsible media coverage could severely undermine the country’s security and democratic progress.
Speaking on Thursday night at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the resident cautioned the media against inadvertently serving as amplifiers for criminal elements seeking to destabilize the nation.
A call for responsible journalism
President Tinubu emphasized that while press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised with a high sense of responsibility, especially as the nation navigates complex security challenges.
“You and I promise that we must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do,” the President warned.
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He noted that at a time when security forces are actively neutralizing thousands of criminal elements and rescuing hostages, the media must resist the temptation to give terror groups a platform.
“They want us divided. They want you and me to be afraid of one another. We will not surrender to their whims and caprices. The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation,” Tinubu added, stressing that the government and the press are partners, not adversaries, in service to the people.
Economic reforms and press freedom
During the event, President Tinubu was decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps.
Addressing the media’s scrutiny of his administration, the president stated that he welcomes constructive journalism and respects the role of the press in helping citizens understand government policies.
He also seized the opportunity to defend his administration’s ongoing economic reforms, declaring that Nigeria has successfully emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and is now beginning to reap the rewards of tough but necessary policy decisions.
Earlier in the event, the chairman of the State House Press Corps (SHPC), Emmanuel Anule, commended the initiative and appealed to President Tinubu to institutionalize the dinner as an annual event to foster a robust relationship between the presidency and the media.
