The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to the freedom of speech and the press, aiming to enhance and deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.
Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this statement while receiving officials of the International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria.
The statement, released on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr. Suleiman Haruna, the Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry, contains this information.
The Minister stressed that freedom of the press is instrumental in the institutionalization of democracy in the country, underscoring the need to recognize its vital role.
Re-emphasizing President Bola Tinubu’s position on the matter, the Minister pointed out that, as a product of democratic struggle, he had ample reason to support freedom of the press.
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Idris said the president had promised that his government would not consciously trample on the press.
‘In a democratic society where the role of the media is established, we must allow it to play its role in reporting and setting agenda for development. We only ask practitioners to be responsible in this duty.’
‘The Nigerian polity is desirous of social engineering for which the government requires the support of all stakeholders, including the press.’
‘Cleaning this system for optimum performance is a collective responsibility,’ Idris was quoted as saying in the statement.
He praised the President of the IPI Nigeria for his appointment and urged him to apply his excellent example in online publishing to his new role.
The President of the IPI, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, mentioned earlier that the media landscape in Nigeria was on the upswing, instilling renewed hope for media practice.
Mojeed appealed to the government to guarantee the safety of journalists in all work environments.
He reassured the minister, describing him as a foundation member of the institute in Nigeria, and pledged their support.
The President of IPI expressed confidence that Tinubu’s administration had established itself as a media-friendly nation with the minister’s appointment.