President Bola Tinubu on Thursday urged the Nigerian media to replace needless hostility with constructive engagement and sensationalism with professionalism. Speaking at the maiden State House Media Dinner in Abuja, the President emphasized the media's critical role in democracy and called for responsible reporting.
Media as Partners in Nation-Building
Tinubu acknowledged the inherent tension between government and media, describing them as adversaries in a democratic sense but partners in nation-building. He stated, "Government must act. The media must watch. Government must explain. The media must question. That arrangement guarantees a certain level of tension." He stressed that this dynamic is essential for democracy.
The President assured journalists of his administration's commitment to press freedom, referencing constitutional guarantees under Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as the Freedom of Information Act. He noted, "Democracy rests on the pillars of freedoms: Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association."
Concerns Over Misinformation and Sensationalism
Tinubu expressed concern over the rise of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and deepfakes, urging media practitioners to avoid being couriers of falsehood. He questioned whether the media is drifting towards the creed "If it bleeds, it leads," and called for context and analysis over sensational headlines. Citing his own experience, he noted how speculation often becomes accepted wisdom, with conclusions arriving before facts.
The President highlighted the need for professional journalism to remain the standard, especially in an era where anyone with a smartphone can claim to be a journalist. He stated, "The media must choose fact over falsehood. The media must choose substance over sensation. The media must choose credibility over clickbait."
Reforms and Security Progress
Tinubu outlined the achievements of his administration, including economic stabilization, improved public revenues, increased state allocations, and a growing stock market. He noted that investor confidence is returning and foreign reserves have improved. On security, he reported intensified military operations, improved intelligence, and the neutralization of thousands of criminal elements, including terrorists and bandits. He said, "While Nigeria continues to face security challenges, we have moved steadily from reacting to threats toward systematically degrading them."
The President concluded by calling for a strengthened relationship between government and media, urging them to replace hostility with constructive engagement and sensationalism with professionalism. He said, "Let us replace the pursuit of outrage with the pursuit of truth."
