‘I’m an Apostle of Free Press’ — Tinubu Tells Journalists to Report With Facts, Responsibility

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom, describing himself as "an apostle of a free press" while urging journalists to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy and responsibility in reporting.

Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said a free and responsible media remains indispensable to Nigeria's democratic development and accountable governance.

Tinubu said he had consistently defended the rights of journalists throughout his public life and would continue to support constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression and press freedom.

"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, however, stressed that press freedom must be exercised responsibly, reminding journalists that the right to report comes with a duty to ensure accuracy and fairness.

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

He expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation and AI-generated false content, warning media professionals against amplifying unverified information capable of harming national security.

"Media practitioners should not be willing couriers of falsehood or unverified information injurious to national security and the nation."

Tinubu described the relationship between government and the media as an essential feature of democracy, noting that while governments are elected to govern, the press has the responsibility of scrutinising those in power.

"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."

According to him, healthy democratic governance requires constructive engagement between public officials and the media rather than unnecessary hostility.

"Government must act. The media must watch. Government must explain. The media must question. That arrangement guarantees a certain level of tension."

He urged both sides to embrace mutual respect, professionalism and truth.

"Let us replace needless hostility with constructive engagement. Let us replace sensationalism with professionalism and the pursuit of outrage with the pursuit of truth."

The President also observed that the rise of social media has made credible journalism even more valuable, urging news organisations to prioritise verified information over the pursuit of online traffic and viral content.

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

He added that the role of professional journalism is to separate verified facts from speculation and rumours.

"Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to deliberately mislead. Rights come with responsibilities."

Tinubu also defended the Cybercrimes Act, insisting that its objective is to protect citizens and preserve the integrity of Nigeria's information space rather than suppress media freedom.

Citing the Constitution, he noted that while Section 39 guarantees freedom of expression, Section 22 assigns the media the responsibility of holding government accountable.

On the economy, the President said reforms introduced by his administration were beginning to yield positive results, pointing to improved public revenue, growing investor confidence and encouraging economic indicators.

He also said security agencies had intensified operations across the country, with improved intelligence sharing and stronger inter-agency collaboration helping to reclaim communities previously threatened by criminal groups.

Tinubu expressed optimism that the annual State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner would become a lasting platform for strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding between the Presidency and the media.