The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the government’s steadfast dedication to upholding press freedom principles while urging media practitioners to exercise their freedoms responsibly.
Idris reiterated this stance during a meeting with senior executives of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) in Abuja on Thursday.
He underscored the importance of balancing press freedom with accountability, stating, “While we advocate for press freedom, it’s imperative for the media to fulfil its duties with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Reporting inaccuracies under the guise of press freedom is unacceptable.”
Highlighting press freedom as fundamental to a flourishing democracy, the Minister acknowledged the role of a dynamic media landscape in nurturing democratic values.
He affirmed, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged through press freedom and does not support its suppression in any form.”
Idris condemned the deliberate dissemination of misinformation and provocative content aimed at inciting discord and chaos under the guise of press freedom.
He cautioned against reporting designed to sow division and discontent, potentially leading to societal unrest and lawlessness.
The Minister warned that media professionals risk undermining public trust, confidence, and credibility by engaging in misinformation.
Responding to a request by CEMESO’s Executive Director, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, regarding the review of constitutional provisions perceived to impede press freedom, Idris pledged to collaborate with the National Assembly towards achieving necessary reforms.
Furthermore, he committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, while also cautioning against its deliberate misuse.
Earlier, Dr. Akingbulu had commended the Minister for changing the narratives of the Ministry since his assumption of office, saying, “There is now a perception that the narratives coming out of here have changed and that the Information Sector in Nigeria is on course to a new era, an era of positive developments.”
