President Bola Tinubu on Thursday told news outlets not to give “undue publicity” to terror groups. He said bad reports could hurt national security. But he sounded friendlier to the press than ex-President Buhari.
Press freedom comes with duty
Speaking at a dinner for State House reporters in Abuja, Tinubu backed press freedom. But he said rights must come with duty.
“Press freedom is sure, but it comes with duty. This is key with fake news and fast digital posts,” Tinubu told editors at the Villa.
He said the media must hold govt to account. But he warned against hype and clickbait on security news.
“Put truth, context and national good first when you report on security,” he said. “Do not give oxygen to those who want to wreck our land.”
A shift from Buhari’s distant style
Tinubu meets editors often. This is a big change from Buhari, who was far from the media. Buhari’s years had big fights. He banned Twitter for 7 months in 2021. The DSS raided _Daily Trust_ in 2019.
Tinubu is the first sitting president to attend the Editors’ conference. On Thursday he told reporters: “Thank you for pushing me… you did not spare me, but you made me think like a leader who must do well.”
Govt cites open media space, tax relief plans
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said no media house has been shut down under Tinubu. He said over 1,000 stations run freely. The govt is also looking at tax cuts for newsprint and talks with Meta and Google on funds for local media.
Press groups still raise concerns
But press groups still worry. The CPJ says 91 reporters were attacked or held since Tinubu took office in May 2023. This is despite VP Shettima’s claim in February that no such cases happened.
Reforms, security get mention
Tinubu said his reforms are working. He cited better foreign reserves and a rising stock market. He added that troops and spies are working to boost security.
Minister Idris and Press Corps chief Dr. Emmanuel Anule praised Tinubu for backing the media. The event honoured top Nigerians and reporters. Tinubu was named Grand Patron of the Press Corps.
