Tinubu has never ordered harassment, intimidation of journalists — Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never instructed him to lie, arrest, or harass any journalist, regardless of critical media reports or public commentary.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), led by its General Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, and Deputy President, Mr. Sebastian Abu, the minister emphasized that Tinubu remains committed to democratic principles and press freedom.

“Despite negative criticism and even character defamation from some media professionals and members of the public, the President has never asked me to intimidate or silence anyone,” Idris said. “There are times when the media may stir tension, but President Tinubu has never directed me to manipulate narratives, lie, or go after any journalist.”

He described the President as a democrat who upholds the rule of law and recognizes the essential role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm. Idris noted that the Federal Government sees the media as a partner in governance and development.

The Minister acknowledged that while some individuals in the media may act unethically, he has consistently engaged with stakeholders—including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), NGE, and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN)—to address such matters through dialogue.

“I always say, when we do well, commend us. When we fall short, criticize us constructively so we can improve,” he added.

He stressed that the Tinubu administration is media-friendly and that isolated incidents should not be used to portray the government as repressive or anti-press.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to enhancing media freedom and literacy, Idris announced progress in establishing a Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre in Abuja, in partnership with UNESCO. The centre is to be located at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“Nigeria is now at the final stage of ratification to host the global MIL Centre,” he said. “Once established, it will bring international stakeholders to Nigeria, promote media literacy, and help combat misinformation and disinformation.”