By IDNN Political Bureau
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has categorically dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ever instructed him to mislead the public or repress the media. Speaking during a visit by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Abuja, Idris affirmed the president’s unwavering respect for press freedom and the rule of law.
“There are times when media narratives create tension,” Idris said, “but President Tinubu has never, not once, asked me to alter facts, lie, or go after journalists.”
Reiterating the administration’s dedication to open dialogue, the minister revealed that he regularly engages with major media stakeholders—including the NGE, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN)—to address issues transparently.
“When we do well, celebrate us,” Idris added. “When we err, point it out constructively, so we can do better.”
The minister cautioned against interpreting isolated events as evidence of an intent to muzzle the press, urging journalists to see the government as a willing partner in national development rather than an adversary.
On combating fake news and misinformation, Idris revealed that Nigeria is on the verge of securing approval as host for UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The global media hub, he said, would play a vital role in enhancing journalistic integrity and reducing the spread of disinformation.
“This achievement is significant,” the minister stressed. “The MIL Centre will not only place Nigeria at the forefront of global media literacy but also reinforce our democratic ethos by equipping citizens with the tools to discern truth from falsehood.”
The meeting with the NGE is part of an ongoing effort by the Tinubu administration to foster transparency, media collaboration, and mutual respect between the government and the press corps.
