Terrorism: Tinubu tasks media on responsible reporting

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian journalists to prioritise national interest over sensationalism, warning that careless reporting boosts terrorist networks and undermines national security.

Speaking at the inaugural Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, where he was decorated as Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, he urged the media to balance press freedom with civic responsibility.

“You and I promise one another that we must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do,” the President said.

He enjoined reporters not to become amplifiers for those wishing to harm the nation. He added that freedom of the press is not the freedom to mislead or defame

He emphasised that public trust is earned through fairness and accuracy.

Defending his administration’s economic policies, Tinubu stated that reforms are yielding results, with foreign reserves rising above $50billion and fresh investments flowing into the oil and gas sector.

On security, he highlighted intensified military operations that have led to the neutralisation of thousands of criminals and the rescue of hostages.

Also, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, commended the administration’s social programmes, including the student loan scheme, while Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, lauded Tinubu’s rapid reform pace.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris also appealed to journalists to avoid headlines that glamorise criminal groups. He also listed new digital broadcasting and literacy initiatives supporting the media landscape.

State House Press Corps Chairman, Emmanuel Anule, advocated the dinner to become an annual forum to foster predictable dialogue between the government and the press, pledging that the corps would maintain professional, and fact-based reporting.

The event also honoured outstanding Nigerians for public service, including FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; an industrialist, Aliko Dangote; and a philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, alongside veteran journalists, Segun Adeniyi and Felix Onuah.