President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to place the nation’s interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible journalism could weaken national security and threaten the country’s democratic progress.
The President also cautioned media practitioners against becoming platforms for terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups seeking to destabilise Nigeria.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday night while speaking at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.
According to the President, journalists have a responsibility to report accurately and responsibly, particularly at a time when the country is confronting serious security challenges.
He stressed that the media should not provide publicity for criminal elements or contribute to narratives capable of creating fear and division among Nigerians.
“I made a commitment at the inauguration that I will do everything possible in my power to be consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“You and I promise one another 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 as partners in the service of our democracy and our people,” he said.
During the event, Tinubu was decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom, the President said those constitutional rights must be exercised with responsibility.
He acknowledged that the media has both praised and criticised his administration but said constructive scrutiny remains an essential part of democratic governance.
The President encouraged journalists to provide balanced reporting that helps citizens understand not only government actions but also the direction of national policies.
“You must provide context and help citizens understand not just what has changed, but where we are headed,” he said.
Addressing the spread of misinformation in the digital age, Tinubu urged journalists to uphold professional standards by prioritising truth and credibility over sensational headlines.
“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait,” he said.
“Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead. Public trust is earned through fairness, accuracy and responsibility.”
The President defended the Cybercrimes Act, stating that the legislation is intended to protect Nigerians against malicious falsehoods and other forms of digital abuse rather than suppress press freedom.
He also highlighted what he described as the achievements of his administration’s economic reforms, saying Nigeria has emerged from a difficult period and is witnessing signs of recovery.
According to Tinubu, government revenue has improved, foreign reserves have risen above $50 billion, investor confidence has strengthened and the oil and gas sector is attracting fresh investments.
“Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues are strengthening, foreign reserves have risen above $50 billion, investors’ confidence has returned, and the oil and gas sector is attracting fresh investments,” he said.
On security, the President said military operations have intensified while intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration have led to the elimination of thousands of terrorists and criminals, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of communities previously affected by insecurity.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he added.
President Tinubu attended the dinner alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Other dignitaries present included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; the Ministers of Finance, Education, Health, Agriculture and Information; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended Tinubu’s leadership and reform agenda, describing the administration’s achievements in governance, infrastructure and education as significant.
Akume highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects and the student loan initiative, while Gbajabiamila described Tinubu as a leader implementing multiple reforms with remarkable determination.
Mohammed Idris also appealed to journalists to exercise caution in reporting security issues, urging them to avoid giving undue publicity to terrorists and criminal groups.
He maintained that journalism should strengthen national unity while remaining committed to truth, fairness and professionalism.
The minister also highlighted recent initiatives in the information sector, including the establishment of a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute and the launch of the Free TV digital broadcasting platform.
Earlier, Chairman of the State House Press Corps, Dr Emmanuel Anule, appealed to President Tinubu to make the Presidential Press Corps Dinner an annual event.
According to him, regular interaction between the presidency and journalists would promote mutual understanding, strengthen trust and improve communication between government and the media.
Anule pledged that members of the State House Press Corps would continue to report presidential activities professionally, accurately and fairly.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
Among the recipients were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; industrialist Aliko Dangote; businessman Tony Elumelu; Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Former Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Segun Adeniyi, received special recognition as the first Special Adviser to serve as Presidential Spokesman.
Other awardees included retired Reuters correspondent Felix Onuah, recognised as the longest-serving State House correspondent; veteran non-linear editor Nicholas Okechukwu; the late Baba Ladan Abubakar, who received a posthumous award; and Dr Emmanuel Anule, who was honoured with the Outstanding State House Press Corps Chairmanship Award.
