Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has clarified that President Bola Tinubu never instructed him to lie, arrest, or harass journalists, even in the face of unconstructive criticism and negative reportage. Idris made this statement while welcoming a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which included its General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, and Deputy President, Mr. Sebastian Abu, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris emphasized that despite facing negative criticism and allegations of defamation from some journalists and the public, President Tinubu has never directed him to retaliate or take punitive action. Idris remarked, “There are times when the media instigates tension, but Tinubu never urged me to alter the narrative, lie, arrest, or harass the perpetrators.” He highlighted the President’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, reaffirming that the government values the media as the fourth estate of the realm.
Idris further mentioned his ongoing engagement with media organizations such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NGE, and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria to address issues as they arise. He encouraged constructive criticism, asserting, “I have always said that when we do good, praise us, and when we are not doing well or going overboard, tell us constructively so that we can improve.”
Reiterating the administration’s media-friendly stance, Idris urged the media not to generalize isolated incidents to suggest that the government intends to suppress press freedom. He also noted President Tinubu’s dedication to press freedom, which led to the establishment of the Media Literacy Centre (MIL) at the National Open Unity in Abuja by UNESCO. Idris shared that Nigeria is nearing the final ratification stage to host the center, which he described as a significant accomplishment.
“This is a great achievement, because when established, the MIL Centre will bring stakeholders from across the globe to Nigeria,” Idris stated. He added that the center would enhance media literacy and help curb the spread of fake news and misinformation both in Nigeria and globally.