President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday night urged Nigerian journalists to put national interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage could undermine the country’s security and democratic progress.
Addressing the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu said the media must resist becoming “megaphones” for terrorists and criminal groups seeking to destabilise the country.
“I made a commitment at the inauguration that I would do everything possible in my power to be consistent with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You and I promise that we must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do.
“At the time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralising thousands of criminal elements and rescuing hostages, the media should not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us.
“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. “Tonight, we gather not as adversaries but partners in the service of our democracy and our people,’’ he said.
The president, who was decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, declared that freedom of speech and press freedom remained fundamental to democracy.
He, however, stressed that those rights carried corresponding responsibilities, particularly at a time when Nigeria is confronting security challenges.
President Tinubu acknowledged that his administration had faced both praises and criticisms from the media, saying he respected scrutiny and welcomed constructive journalism that provided context and helped citizens understand government’s policies.
He defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria had emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and was beginning to reap the benefits of difficult policy decisions.
On his part, the State House Press Corps (SHPC) chairman, Emmanuel Anule, urged President Tinubu to institutionalise the gathering as an annual event.