THE MINISTER of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Tinubu has never directed him to suppress journalists, even in cases of unconstructive criticism or unfavourable reporting.
Idris made the declaration while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), led by its General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, and Deputy President, Mr. Sebastian Abu, in Abuja on Wednesday.
He emphasised that despite instances of negative criticism and alleged defamation by some journalists and members of the public, the President has never instructed him to arrest or harass anyone.
“There are times when the media instigate tension, but Tinubu never urged me to alter the narrative, lie, arrest or harass the perpetrators.
“This is because the President is a true democrat who respects the rule of law. Also, the Federal Government believes that it cannot operate without the media, which is the fourth estate of the realm.
“We used to have some individuals who would want to go overboard, but I have always engaged the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NGE, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria and others on issues that are brought to my attention.
“I have always said that when we do good, praise us, and when we are not doing well or going overboard, tell us constructively so that we can improve,” Idris said.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote media literacy, citing the upcoming establishment of a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre at the National Open University in Abuja.
“This is a great achievement, because when established, the MIL Centre will bring stakeholders from across the globe to Nigeria.
“This will enhance media literacy in our country and checkmate the spread of fake news and issues of misinformation and disinformation in the country and the world at large,” Idris said. (NAN)
