Tinubu Respects Press Freedom Says Information Minister

President Bola Tinubu has never directed the harassment or arrest of journalists despite criticism from some quarters, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The minister gave this assurance during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja on Wednesday.

Idris told the visiting editors that Tinubu has always shown strong respect for media freedom and the rule of law, even when reports in the media have sparked tension or criticism of the administration. He said at no time did the president ask him to manipulate facts, silence the press, or take action against any journalist or outlet.

The minister described Tinubu as a committed democrat who understands the media’s role in shaping public discourse and deepening democracy. He said the administration believes that the media is an essential part of governance and must be treated as such.

He noted that he has maintained open communication with key media groups such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria. Idris said the government welcomes constructive criticism, as it helps in identifying areas that need improvement.

To further show support for the media, Idris said Nigeria is close to securing approval from UNESCO to host a global Media Literacy Centre in Abuja. The centre, once operational, will aim to combat fake news and misinformation by building the public’s capacity to navigate today’s fast-changing information landscape.

Despite this commitment, media freedom in Nigeria has not been without challenges. Over the past year, several watchdog groups have reported growing threats against journalists, including surveillance, intimidation, and arrests. A recent tracker by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development documented more than 140 press violations between May 2023 and October 2024 alone.

Laws like the Cybercrime Act have also drawn criticism for being used to stifle investigative reporting and silence dissent. While constitutional protections exist, journalists continue to face legal and physical threats in the course of their work.

In the face of these concerns, Idris urged media professionals to avoid drawing conclusions from isolated incidents. He said the government remains open to dialogue and will continue working to improve the relationship between state institutions and the press.