By Jane Okafor
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to place national interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible journalism could undermine the country’s security and democratic progress.
Speaking on Thursday night at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, the President cautioned the media against serving as platforms for terrorists, kidnappers and criminal groups seeking to destabilise Nigeria.
“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.
Decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, Tinubu reaffirmed that freedom of speech and press freedom remain fundamental pillars of democracy but stressed that those rights come with corresponding responsibilities.
Acknowledging that his administration had received both commendation and criticism from the media, the President said he welcomed constructive journalism that helps citizens understand government policies and national direction.
“You must provide context and help citizens understand not just what has changed, but where we are headed,” he said.
Warning against the growing menace of misinformation in the digital age, Tinubu urged journalists to uphold professionalism and accuracy.
“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, saying it was designed to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuse rather than weaken press freedom.
Tinubu also defended his administration’s economic reforms, declaring that Nigeria had emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and was beginning to reap the rewards of difficult policy decisions.
“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 intensified military operations and improved intelligence-sharing had led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of previously occupied communities.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he said.
President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu attended the dinner alongside senior government officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, members of the Federal Executive Council and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris commended the President’s leadership and reform agenda, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education and governance.
Idris also called on journalists to exercise restraint in reporting security issues, urging the media to avoid headlines that amplify terrorist and criminal activities while remaining committed to truth, fairness and professionalism.
State House Press Corps Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Anule, appealed to the President to institutionalise the dinner as an annual event to deepen engagement between the presidency and the media.
“An informal, annual State House Press Corps forum would create a predictable channel for dialogue and partnership between government and the journalists who translate, scrutinise and explain policies for Nigerians and international audiences,” he said.
Anule said regular engagement would reduce misunderstandings, strengthen trust and improve cooperation between the government and the media.
He also reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to fair, professional and fact-based coverage of the presidency.
The event also honoured several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, industrialist Aliko Dangote, businessman Tony Elumelu, Nigeria Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Former presidential spokesman Segun Adeniyi received a special recognition award as the first Special Adviser to serve as presidential spokesman, while veteran Reuters correspondent Felix Onuah, non-linear editor Nicholas Okechukwu, the late Baba Ladan Abubakar and State House Press Corps Chairman Dr Emmanuel Anule were also honoured for their contributions to journalism and public service.
