President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to prioritise national interest over sensational reporting, cautioning that irresponsible coverage risks undermining the country’s security and democratic progress.

Speaking at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, the President warned the media against serving as unwitting amplifiers for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the nation. “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,” Tinubu said.

“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,” he added.

The President stressed that at a time when security forces are making significant strides against terrorism and banditry, the media must not become a platform for those who wish the country harm. “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,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.

“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,” Tinubu declared.

Freedom of Speech Comes With Responsibility

The President, who was decorated as Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, reaffirmed that freedom of speech and press freedom remain fundamental to democracy. However, he emphasised that these rights carry corresponding responsibilities, particularly as Nigeria confronts persistent security challenges.

Acknowledging that his administration has faced both praise and criticism from the media, Tinubu said he respects scrutiny and welcomes constructive journalism that provides context and helps citizens understand government policies. “You must provide context and help citizens understand not just what has changed, but where we are headed,” he told the journalists.

Warning against the spread of misinformation, the President underscored the growing importance of professional journalism in the digital era. “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,” Tinubu added.

He also addressed concerns about press freedom, clarifying that laws such as the Cybercrimes Act were designed to protect citizens against malicious falsehoods and digital abuses, not to weaken press freedom.

Economy Stabilising, Security Improving

Beyond his remarks on the media, President Tinubu defended his administration’s economic reforms, asserting that Nigeria has emerged from “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and is beginning to reap the benefits 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,” Tinubu said.

On the security front, the President reported that military operations have intensified, intelligence gathering has improved, and cooperation among security agencies has led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of hostages, and the recovery of communities previously under attack. “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.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The President and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu attended the inaugural dinner, alongside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal; several ministers; and the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack. In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila, and Information Minister Mohammed Idris praised the President’s leadership and reform agenda.