President Bola Tinubu has urged journalists across Nigeria to uphold professionalism, accuracy and ethical standards in their reportage, stressing that responsible journalism remains vital to the survival of democracy.
The President made the appeal on Thursday during the maiden State House Media Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he described the media as a critical institution that works alongside government in strengthening democratic governance and national stability.
Tinubu reiterated his long-standing support for press freedom, assuring media practitioners that his administration remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of journalists and citizens to express themselves freely.
“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 said.
He, however, emphasised that freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, caution and integrity.
“Journalists and citizens must not forget the imperative of balancing rights with responsibility and the duty to report with care, accuracy and facts,” he stated.
The President expressed concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news, particularly with the growing use of artificial intelligence to create misleading content.
He warned journalists against becoming channels for the dissemination of false or unverified information capable of undermining national security and public trust.
“Media practitioners should not be willing couriers of falsehood or unverified information injurious to national security and the nation,” Tinubu said.
According to him, the relationship between government and
