Tinubu Urges Media To Put Nigeria First, Avoid Amplifying Terrorists

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists to place the national interest above sensational reporting, warning that irresponsible coverage could undermine the country’s security and democratic progress.

Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, the President said the media must not become a platform for terrorists and criminal groups seeking to spread fear and destabilise the country.

He reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional governance, stressing that while freedom of expression and press freedom remain fundamental to democracy, they must be exercised with fairness, accuracy and responsibility.

Tinubu called on journalists to prioritise facts over falsehoods, substance over sensationalism and credibility over clickbait, noting that professional journalism is even more important in the digital age.

The President said laws such as the Cybercrimes Act are intended to protect citizens against malicious falsehoods and digital abuse rather than weaken press freedom.

He also highlighted the achievements of his administration, saying economic reforms were yielding results through stronger public revenues, foreign reserves exceeding 50 billion dollars, renewed investor confidence and increased investments in the oil and gas sector.

On security, Tinubu said intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies had led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of communities previously under attack.

The President pledged that his administration would continue working to ensure peace and security across the country while maintaining a constructive partnership with the media in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.