‘Freedom of press not freedom to mislead’ – Tinubu warns journalists

President Bola Tinubu has urged journalists across Nigeria to uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical standards in their reportage, stressing that responsible journalism remains vital to the survival of democracy.

The President made the appeal on Thursday during the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he described the media as a critical institution that works alongside government in strengthening democratic governance and national stability.

Tinubu reiterated his long-standing support for press freedom, assuring media practitioners that his administration remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens to express themselves freely.

“I am an apostle of a free press. I have defended and advocated for the rights of the media throughout my public life and will continue to do so,” the President said.

He, however, emphasised that freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, caution and integrity.

“Journalists and citizens must not forget the imperative of balancing rights with responsibility and the duty to report with care, accuracy and facts,” he stated.

The President expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, particularly with the growing use of artificial intelligence to create misleading content.

He warned journalists against becoming channels for the dissemination of false or unverified information capable of undermining national security and public trust.

“Media practitioners should not be willing couriers of falsehood or unverified information injurious to national security and the nation,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the relationship between government and the media should be seen as a necessary democratic partnership in which both sides perform separate but complementary responsibilities.

“Government exists to serve the people through leadership and policy. The media exists to watch those entrusted with power, ask difficult questions and hold government accountable,” he said.

Tinubu maintained that media scrutiny remains essential for transparent and accountable governance.

“Government must act. The media must watch. Government must explain.

“The media must question. That arrangement guarantees a certain level of tension,” he added.

The President called for improved cooperation between public officials and journalists, urging both parties to embrace constructive engagement rather than hostility.

“Let us replace needless hostility with constructive engagement. Let us replace sensationalism with professionalism and the pursuit of outrage with the pursuit of truth,” he said.

Reflecting on the influence of social media, Tinubu said credible journalism has become even more important in an era driven by instant information and online engagement.

“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation, credibility over clickbait and the endless race for followers, likes and viral outrage,” he stated.

He stressed that the role of professional journalists is to separate verified information from speculation, rumours and propaganda.

“Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to deliberately mislead. Rights come with responsibilities,” the President said.

Tinubu also defended laws such as the Cybercrimes Act, insisting that the legislation was designed to protect citizens and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s information space rather than stifle press freedom.

He referenced constitutional provisions guaranteeing both freedom of expression and the media’s watchdog role.

“Section 39 guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, while Section 22 places upon the media the noble responsibility of holding government accountable,” he noted.

Speaking on the economy, the President said reforms introduced by his administration were beginning to yield positive results.

“Our economy is stabilising. Public revenues have strengthened significantly. Investor confidence is returning and key economic indicators are moving in the right direction,” Tinubu said.

He also highlighted ongoing security operations across the country, noting that security agencies had intensified efforts to combat criminal activities and reclaim troubled communities.

“Military operations have intensified, intelligence gathering has improved, inter-agency collaboration has strengthened and communities previously under threat have been reclaimed,” he said.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the annual State House Media Corps dinner would evolve into a sustained platform for strengthening collaboration and mutual understanding between the Presidency and the media.

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