President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom but cautioned that those constitutional rights do not include the liberty to spread falsehoods, mislead the public or defame others. He urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, professionalism and the national interest in their reporting.
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian journalists and media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism, stressing that while freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised responsibly. The President said freedom of speech should never be interpreted as a licence to publish defamatory or misleading information.
Tinubu made the remarks while speaking at the maiden State House Press Corps Dinner in Abuja, where he was decorated as the Grand Patron of the State House Press Corps.
According to the President:
“Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame. Freedom of the press is not freedom to mislead.”
He urged journalists to choose “fact over falsehood, substance over sensation and credibility over clickbait,” noting that public trust in the media depends on fairness, accuracy and responsible reporting.
📌 Contextual Layer (Fact-Based Only)
Tinubu acknowledged that the media plays a vital role in holding government accountable and described a healthy relationship between government and the press as an essential feature of democracy.
However, he warned that the current security environment requires journalists to exercise caution to avoid amplifying propaganda from terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups seeking publicity through the media.
The President also defended the Cybercrimes Act, stating that its safeguards are intended to protect citizens against malicious falsehoods, online abuse and digital crimes rather than suppress legitimate journalism or free expression.
Tinubu encouraged media organisations to continue asking difficult questions and scrutinising public officials but insisted that such responsibilities must always be guided by verified facts and professional ethics.
He further assured journalists that his administration remains committed to protecting constitutional freedoms while promoting a media environment built on responsibility, accountability and public confidence.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about press freedom, misinformation and digital regulation in Nigeria. While reaffirming support for a free press, Tinubu maintained that the exercise of constitutional rights must be balanced with the obligation to protect truth, public trust and national security.