By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government has described Press Freedom as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris stated this when he received senior executives of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) on a courtesy visit to his office.
His Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, quoted the Minister as saying that government fully recognizes the importance of a vibrant media landscape in fostering democracy.
Idris added that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a product of press freedom and he cannot in any way stifle press freedom”.
While reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principle of press freedom, the Minister urged media professionals to exercise their freedom with the utmost sense of responsibility.
Idris said, it is wrong to intentionally disseminate misinformation and inflammatory reports aimed at sowing discord and promoting anarchy within the society under the guise of press freedom.
“You cannot report issues with the intention to create disharmony and discontent that will ultimately lead to the breakdown of law and order for our citizens and say you are exercising press freedom,” he said.
Idris warned that the biggest victims of disinformation are media professionals, who are at risk of losing public trust, confidence, and credibility.
While responding to a request by the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, on the review of certain sections of the constitution perceived to be hindering press freedom, the Minister gave the assurance that he would work with the National Assembly to achieve results.
Idris also promised to work with other stakeholders to promote compliance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act while warning against willful abuse of the Act.
Earlier, Dr. Akingbulu had commended the Minister for changing the narratives of the Ministry since his assumption of office, saying, “There is now a perception that the narratives coming out of here have changed and that the Information Sector in Nigeria is on course to a new era, an era of positive developments.”
