Tinubu to Media: Don’t give terrorists, kidnappers a platform

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian media to avoid providing publicity for terrorists and kidnappers, warning that such groups should not be allowed to use news platforms to spread fear or undermine national security.

Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday night, Tinubu said journalists have a critical responsibility to report accurately without becoming channels for criminal elements seeking to destabilise the country.

According to the President, while Nigeria continues to record gains in the fight against insecurity through intensified military operations and improved intelligence gathering, the media must place national interest above sensational reporting.

He stressed that the appeal was not intended to undermine press freedom but to encourage responsible journalism.

“Freedom of expression and press freedom remain fundamental to democracy, but those freedoms come with responsibility. On issues affecting national security, Nigeria’s interest must always come first,” Tinubu said.

He maintained that freedom of the press should not be interpreted as a licence to spread misinformation or publish content capable of damaging public trust, adding that fairness, accuracy and professionalism remain the foundation of credible journalism.

The President also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation in the digital era, saying the speed at which false information circulates has made the role of professional journalists even more important.

He urged media practitioners to prioritise facts over speculation and credibility over sensational headlines, noting that journalism standards should not be compromised despite the increasing influence of social media.