‘Tinubu Never Urged Me To Lie, Arrest Or Harass Journalists’ – Minister Idris

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Tinubu has never instructed him to lie, harass, or arrest journalists over critical reports or perceived negative publicity.

Naijaonpoint reports that Idris made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), led by the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, and Deputy President, Sebastian Abu.

The minister maintained that despite unconstructive criticisms and occasional defamatory publications by some journalists, Tinubu has consistently shown respect for press freedom.

Idris stated, “There are times when the media instigate tension, but President Tinubu never urged me to alter the narrative, lie, arrest, or harass anyone.

“This is because the President is a true democrat who respects the rule of law. The Federal Government believes it cannot function effectively without the media, which remains the fourth estate of the realm.”

Idris, who reaffirmed the administration’s openness to engagement, said he had maintained dialogue with key media organisations on contentious issues.

He said, “I’ve always engaged the NUJ, NGE, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria and others whenever issues arise. When we do well, praise us. When we fall short, tell us constructively so we can improve.”

He urged journalists not to interpret isolated events as attempts by the government to gag the press, insisting that the Tinubu administration is committed to press freedom and transparency.

Highlighting efforts to combat misinformation and fake news, Idris said Nigeria is close to securing final approval as host of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre at the National Open University in Abuja.

He added, “This is a great achievement, because when established, the MIL Centre will bring stakeholders from across the globe to Nigeria.

“This will enhance media literacy in our country and checkmate the spread of fake new and issues of misinformation and disinformation in the country and the world at large.”