By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
COMMITMENT TO constitutional democracy, responsible journalism and media freedom was reaffirmed by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday as he urged media professionals to promote national unity through accurate and ethical reporting.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that speaking at the inaugural Annual Presidential Press Corps Dinner (APPCD) held at the State House in Abuja, the President described the media as an indispensable partner in Nigeria’s democratic journey and acknowledged both the critical and supportive roles journalists have played since the beginning of his administration.
The dinner marked the first formal engagement of its kind between the President and members of the State House Press Corps.
Opening his remarks, Tinubu apologised that the event had not been organised earlier and thanked journalists for consistently covering the activities of the Presidency despite the challenges associated with the assignment.
“I especially want to appreciate each of you for your tireless efforts in covering the State House and keeping Nigeria informed about the activities of our administration.”
The President said media criticism during the early days of his administration was difficult to accept but added that he continued to read newspaper reports and commentaries.
“At the beginning of the administration, it hurt the way you approached the reforms, but today I am glad that many of you now acknowledge the progress those reforms have made. I read your reports every morning. I listen, I learn and I pay attention.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Tinubu said many of the nation’s founding fathers were journalists whose publications became powerful instruments in the struggle for independence.
He said democracy can flourish only where the freedoms of speech, association and the press are protected and assured journalists that his administration would continue to uphold constitutional guarantees that enable media practitioners to perform their duties without interference.
“Our administration remains committed to ensuring that you have access, the resources and the freedom to perform your work excellently and in accordance with the Constitution.”
The President also called for responsible reporting on security, saying journalists have a responsibility to protect national interest while the country continues to confront terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers. We must protect our nation.”
Tinubu said government and the media should not regard each other as enemies but as partners serving democracy.
“Tonight we gather not as adversaries but as partners in the service of our democracy and our people.”
He added that government must continue to explain its policies while journalists should ask difficult questions within the bounds of professionalism.
“The government must act. The media must watch. The government must explain. The media must question when necessary. That healthy tension strengthens our republic.”
The President said criticism remains part of democracy and noted that he continues to follow newspaper editorials closely, including analyses that help government understand public concerns.
Defending his administration’s economic reforms, Tinubu said Nigeria had emerged from what he described as “the dark tunnel of uncertainty.”
He said the reforms introduced since assuming office are producing results, citing improved public revenues, higher allocations to state governments, renewed investor confidence and stronger foreign reserves.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen above $50 billion, describing it as the country’s highest level in about 17 years.
He also said the oil and gas sector is attracting fresh investments while the Nigerian stock market has recorded remarkable growth since 2023.
“The difficult but necessary reforms we have undertaken are already yielding results. Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues are improving; investor confidence has returned and the foundation for long term growth has been established.”
The President urged state governments to use increased federal allocations to improve roads, water supply and other critical public services.
Expressing concern over misinformation in the digital era, Tinubu urged journalists to prioritise facts over sensationalism.
“The media must choose facts over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait.”
He said freedom of expression should not be interpreted as freedom to deceive the public.
“Freedom of expression is not freedom to deceive. Freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead.”
The President also said Nigeria’s Cybercrimes legislation was designed to protect citizens from cyberstalking, identity theft and malicious falsehood rather than suppress legitimate journalism.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that on security, Tinubu said government forces have continued to degrade criminal networks across different parts of the country while security agencies have shifted from responding to attacks to proactively dismantling criminal operations.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace.”
Tinubu concluded by calling for a stronger relationship between government and the media founded on professionalism, mutual respect and a shared commitment to national development.
“Let us strengthen the relationship between government and the media, not by abandoning scrutiny, but by deepening mutual respect, professionalism, responsibility and our shared commitment to the Nigerian people.”
He thanked members of the State House Press Corps for their service to the country and prayed for continued progress for Nigeria.
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