Don’t Be Megaphones for Terrorists — Tinubu Tells Media

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Nigerian media to avoid serving as platforms for terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, stressing the need for responsible journalism that supports national security without compromising the media’s watchdog role.

The President made the appeal on Thursday during the maiden State House Press Corps Presidential Dinner held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Addressing journalists, Tinubu warned against reportage capable of giving undue publicity to criminal groups or undermining the country’s security efforts.

“The media must resist the temptation of becoming megaphones for terrorists and kidnappers,” the President said.

He cautioned that irresponsible reporting could weaken national unity and create an atmosphere of fear, particularly at a time when security agencies are intensifying operations against criminal elements across the country.

“We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. If we do, we will have no safe space left, especially at a time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralising thousands of criminal elements, and rescuing hostages,” he stated.

Tinubu said the media should exercise professionalism by ensuring that coverage of security issues does not inadvertently promote the objectives of violent groups.

“The media should not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us,” he added.

While calling for responsible reporting, the President reaffirmed the importance of a free press in a democratic society, noting that government and the media have complementary roles in nation-building.

According to him, the government must remain accountable to the people, while journalists must continue to scrutinise public policies and actions objectively.

“The government must act, the media must watch, the government must explain, and the media must question,” Tinubu said.

The President also acknowledged the critical role played by journalists in informing the public and shaping national discourse, urging members of the State House Press Corps to continue discharging their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and patriotism.

The presidential dinner marked the first official engagement of its kind between Tinubu and journalists covering activities at the Presidential Villa, providing an opportunity to strengthen relations between the Presidency and the media.