Tinubu to Media: Put Nigeria First, Don’t Give Terrorists the Headlines

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called on Nigerian journalists to prioritise national interest in their reportage, urging the media to avoid amplifying the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups whose objective is to destabilise the country.

Speaking at the inaugural State House Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, the President warned that irresponsible reporting could undermine national security and weaken democratic institutions, stressing that journalists must remain partners in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity.

Tinubu said while press freedom remained a cornerstone of democracy, it should be exercised with responsibility, fairness and accuracy.

“We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. We will have no safe space left if we do,” the President said.

He noted that as security agencies intensify operations against insurgents and criminal networks, the media must avoid becoming “megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers” through sensational coverage that advances their agenda of fear and division.

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“They want us divided. They want you and me to be afraid of one another. We will not surrender to their whims and caprices. Tonight, we gather not as adversaries but as partners in the service of our democracy and our people,” Tinubu stated.

The President, who was decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutional democracy, freedom of expression and an independent press, but cautioned that those freedoms come with corresponding obligations.

According to him, journalism should provide context, educate citizens on government policies and uphold truth over misinformation, especially in the digital age.

“The media must choose fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait. Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame, and freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead,” he said.

Tinubu also defended the Cybercrimes Act, insisting that its purpose is to protect citizens from malicious falsehoods and digital abuses rather than restrict legitimate journalism.

Reviewing his administration’s performance, the President said difficult economic reforms were beginning to yield results, with stronger public revenues, foreign reserves exceeding $50 billion, renewed investor confidence and fresh investments in the oil and gas sector.

On security, he said improved intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations and stronger inter-agency collaboration had led to the neutralisation of thousands of terrorists and criminal elements, the rescue of hostages and the recovery of previously occupied communities.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to secure every part of our country so that every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” he said.

The dinner was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, members of the Federal Executive Council and senior government officials.

In separate remarks, Akume, Gbajabiamila and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris commended Tinubu’s reform agenda, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, education and governance. Idris also urged journalists to exercise restraint in reporting security issues, saying ethical journalism should strengthen national cohesion while remaining committed to truth and professionalism.

State House Press Corps Chairman Emmanuel Anule appealed to the President to institutionalise the dinner as an annual engagement, describing it as a platform that would deepen trust, improve dialogue and strengthen collaboration between the Presidency and journalists. He pledged that members of the corps would continue to report government activities professionally, fairly and with verified facts.