Tinubu Urges Media to Unite in Defence of Democracy

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to work together in protecting the nation’s democracy, warning that misinformation and divisive reporting could weaken public trust and national unity.

Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors held at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu called on media professionals to uphold integrity, fairness and responsibility in their work. He said the press had always been central to Nigeria’s democratic journey and must continue to act as a pillar for truth and accountability.

The president acknowledged the growing influence of social media and cautioned against the spread of false information. He urged journalists to verify reports before publication, stressing that accuracy and balance should remain the foundation of their profession.

Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving security and creating opportunities for citizens. He encouraged the media to support these goals by promoting unity and public understanding rather than division and distrust.

He also endorsed several proposals made during the conference, including tax reliefs, affordable loans and grants for media digitisation, along with the repeal of laws that restrict press freedom. According to him, a free and responsible press is vital for building a nation based on honesty and mutual respect.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the event as historic, being the first time a sitting president attended the Guild’s annual conference. He praised Tinubu’s record of defending press freedom and said the current administration had maintained an open media space with no harassment or closure of any media outlet.

The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” closed with a call for collaboration between government and the media to build a more united, informed and democratic Nigeria.