World Press Freedom Day: No compromise on Press Freedom, FG assures media
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris yesterday gave assurance that the Federal Government will not compromise press freedom.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will guarantee unfettered access to journalists and provide enabling environment for the media.
Idris said no single journalist has been incarcerated under the Tinubu administration for practising responsible journalism.
He said the media is largely free in Nigeria.
He, however, said spreading falsehood and misinformation is irresponsible journalism and cannot be equated with press freedom.
The Minister spoke in Abuja at a press briefing organised by his ministry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
He briefed alongside the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe; Head UNESCO Office Abuja, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo.
He said: “I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration for example, who has been put in jail or who has gone into exile as a result of press freedom.
“We knew what has happened in this country in the past. Some decades ago, we know that you have to leave this country to be able to report. I can tell you that the press in Nigeria is largely free but that freedom will further be consolidated if honesty and transparency are upheld in the manner that we report,” he said.
This fight, since it is now ranked as one of the most vulnerable to climate change. This is reflected in the numerous issues we encounter, including flooding, drought, food insecurity, erosion, harsh weather, and even conflicts caused by resource shortages and struggle.
“Millions of Nigerians turn to the media for answers and explanations in the face of these terrible and ever-changing circumstances. Hence, the media needs to accept responsibility and rewrite the story to make the main reason for these problems clear to the public.
