Abuja, Nigeria
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the country’s senior journalists and editors to uphold the highest standards of integrity and fairness, describing responsible journalism as crucial for the sustainability of democracy and national cohesion.
Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu stressed that the media must serve as a stabilising force in an era of rapid digital change.
“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” the President told the gathering, which was themed ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors’.
The Challenge of the Digital Age
While commending the Nigerian press for its historical role in defending justice and democracy—recalling journalists who “endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship”—President Tinubu cautioned that the digital age had amplified the threat of misinformation.
- Editorial Responsibility: He noted that with social media turning “every citizen a potential publisher,” the editorial function of verification and balance is now more critical than ever.
- Constructive Criticism: The President urged editors to be constructive in their scrutiny of government policies, ensuring that criticism is informed and fair, rather than cynical. “The national interest must always remain paramount,” he added.
Commitment to Economic Reform
President Tinubu also used the address to reaffirm his administration’s focus on economic restructuring, despite the difficulties associated with the reforms.
“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing,” he said, citing visible progress in several economic sectors.
The President called for broad collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society, and the media to advance national unity, stating that “economic reforms and institutional improvements alone cannot build the Nigeria we seek.”
The call for media integrity comes amid growing national concern over the spread of fake news. Earlier warnings from officials, including the Minister of Information, have described unchecked falsehood as a “ticking bomb that could set the nation ablaze,” underscoring the vital role of editors in shaping public trust.
Add Comment