The administration of President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, as stated by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Idris stated this at the Nigeria Union of Nigeria’s Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards.
On Saturday night, journalists (NUJ) will observe World Press Freedom Day in Abuja.
The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Borno counterpart, Prof. Umaru Zulum, and the House of Representatives speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, were among those who were presented with the Good Governance Awards.
The minister emphasised that journalists should celebrate themselves in the same way that they celebrate others, and that they cannot give space to those who spread misinformation and fake news.
As a product of the free press himself, he declared, the president would never take any action that would prevent the press from fulfilling its constitutional mandate to ensure good governance and hold the government responsible.
According to Idris, a free press is essential for democracy to thrive, and the preservation of the media’s sacred space is crucial for the nation’s progress.
On my first day of work, I swore fervently that this would be one of the greatest periods for media professionals in this nation since we would publish the facts as they are for your benefit. Preserving press freedom is crucial. Everyone should respect the right to free speech and not play with it. However, I never stop lecturing us and reminding us that freedom comes with a great deal of responsibility.
You cannot give up your place to spreaders of false information, fake news, and misinformation. Nowadays, it is quite simple for anyone to pick up a phone or computer and write or say something that could cause problems for this nation. Naturally, fake news is a global issue, and media professionals everywhere are banding together to find a common solution, he stated. It is not only a Nigerian problem.
During his speech, Abbas stated that the parliament is dedicated to examining outdated media regulations and updating them to reflect contemporary society and democratic values.
Represented by Hon. Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson, Abbas recognised the crucial role that an independent and conscientious press plays in governmental affairs, which is why he was determined to enhance media freedom and operations by means of legislative measures.
A strong democracy cannot function without the symbiotic relationship that exists between press freedom and good government. Press freedom makes it possible for the media to function independently, monitoring the public interest and holding those in positions of authority responsible.
Transparency and accountability are promoted when the media is allowed to report without fear of censorship or retaliation. This allows the media to shed light on decisions, policies, and actions made by the government. The media is essential in preventing the abuses of power by those in authority when press freedom is strong.
Journalists has the ability and bravery to look into and reveal instances of power abuse, corruption, and other wrongdoing in government. The media prevents tyranny, encourages respect to the rule of law, and protects democratic ideals by serving as a check on political power, the speaker continued.
Governor Alia asked journalists to continue carrying out their duty without fear or favour on behalf of the winners, stating that the recognition would motivate them to do more for their community.
You are far beyond tonight in what you do to us. I have a deep emotional connection to what this company is proud to accomplish because, when you work, you know that you’re not working for recognition. You are responding to a call of duty. You are carrying out this action because it is required of you by divine decree. And after that, somebody who was observing from a distance noticed it, noted it, and said, “It is something of enormous magnitude,” he added.
In his introductory speech, Chris Isiguzo, the national president of NUJ, urged all branches of government to establish fair conditions for the media to function in order to promote good governance.
“Journalists are at the vanguard of the fight against environmental degradation, promoting sustainable solutions, exposing injustices in the environment, and raising awareness with their writing and cameras. We can only expect to mobilise action and bring about change for the benefit of our planet and future generations through their brave reporting,” he stated.