Politics

Information Minister Clarifies: Tinubu Never Directed Me to Lie or Target Journalists

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 10th, 2025.

Information Minister Clarifies: Tinubu Never Directed Me to Lie or Target Journalists

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, has emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has never instructed him to lie, arrest, or intimidate journalists over critical or unfavorable reporting.

Idris made this statement during a meeting with representatives from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), including General Secretary Mr. Onuoha Ukeh and Deputy President Mr. Sebastian Abu, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

He acknowledged that while some media outlets and individuals may sometimes publish negative or defamatory content, the President has not authorized any form of harassment or crackdown against journalists.

“There have been moments when media coverage has stirred tension, but President Tinubu has not asked me to distort facts, fabricate stories, or persecute anyone,” Idris said.

Highlighting Tinubu’s democratic values, Idris noted, “The President deeply respects the rule of law, and the government recognizes the essential role of the media as the fourth estate.”

He also mentioned ongoing dialogue with media organizations such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NGE, and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria to address concerns and encourage constructive feedback.

“I always encourage praise when the government performs well and constructive criticism when improvement is needed,” Idris added.

The Minister affirmed that the Tinubu administration remains supportive of a free press and urged the media not to generalize isolated incidents as attempts to silence the press.

He further pointed out that President Tinubu’s dedication to press freedom was instrumental in UNESCO’s decision to establish the Media Literacy Centre (MIL) at the National Open University in Abuja.

“This milestone means Nigeria is close to officially hosting the centre, which will attract global stakeholders and improve media literacy,” Idris explained.

He concluded by stressing the centre’s importance in combating misinformation and fake news both within Nigeria and internationally.