The Government Must Act, the Media Must Watch, Tinubu Tells Journalists
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to remain committed to responsible reporting, warning against giving terrorists and kidnappers the publicity they seek through media coverage.
The President made the call on Thursday during the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said while the media has a constitutional duty to hold those in power accountable, it must also ensure its reports do not strengthen criminal elements or undermine national security.
Tinubu cautioned journalists against irresponsible reporting, stressing that the country is making significant progress in tackling insecurity through the efforts of security agencies.
According to him, “The media should not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us.” He added, “We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting.
If we do, we will have no safe space left, especially at a time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralizing thousands of criminal elements, and rescuing hostages.”
Reaffirming the complementary roles of government and the press in a democratic society, the President said, “The government must act, the media must watch, the government must explain, and the media must question.”
Tinubu maintained that while the government must remain transparent and accountable, the media also has a responsibility to inform the public in a manner that protects the nation’s collective interest without becoming a platform for those determined to spread fear and violence.
