President Bola Tinubu will continue to practice responsible journalism and not restrict the press in the country.
Muhammad Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while speaking to reporters at the State House.
He said that independent training and promotion and social media are critical to the success of the administration and the promotion of nationalism and patriotism.
“Mr President and all of us in that area are committed to ensuring press freedom. That freedom, as I said, comes with responsibility. A lot of what some of these people are doing in the social sector is not patriotic.
“Sometimes you say the news is not real. But I don’t want a situation where it appears that the government is trying to suppress the press. I want that to be understood.
“There is no attempt by the government to restrict the press. We will do what is necessary to be responsible and accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.
“The President wants the freedom of the press and he will continue to do so all the time,” he said.
The Minister said that the administration will participate in the rehabilitation of citizens in order to achieve its goals of economic reorientation and inclusiveness.
“Mr President has given me a mission to see Nigerians believe again in this country. We are coming with a national discourse on orientation or reorientation, so that Nigerians believe in their country.
“You know people don’t believe in the leaders they elected. The flags are no longer flying. You go to government offices in other countries, you will not see the symbol of our collective life flying in government buildings.
For the welfare of media practitioners in the country, Idris said that discussions on improving the living conditions of journalists are ongoing, adding that the President supports this awake.
Idris said: “It is in the works. I have discussed with Mr President. He wants to see me make a road map for that. We will do that when the time is right you will get clear answers.
“The rights of journalists will continue because we believe in the freedom of the press and everything that promotes this freedom will be given priority.”
Idris said that the government will also look into the recommendations to clean up the media industry in the country without complicating them.
He added: “Yes, it is being looked at. You know Mr President believes in freedom of the press. He believes in freedom of expression, he does not restrict the press in any way, shape and form.
“He will work hard to ensure that the Nigerian press is freer.
“But as I always say, this freedom comes with great responsibility.
“You can’t just say what’s inappropriate, because you enjoy freedom of the press.”
[GNN]
