President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and accuracy in their work, describing responsible journalism as vital to the survival of democracy and the preservation of national unity.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Annual Conference held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, the President emphasised that freedom of the press must be matched by responsibility and ethical practice.
“The freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise,” Tinubu said. “A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws but also by the integrity of public conversation.”
The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” brought together senior editors, journalists, and policymakers to reflect on the media’s role in promoting unity amid Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian press for its historical role in defending democracy and social justice, recalling that journalists had “endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good.”
However, he cautioned that the rise of digital media and social platforms had amplified misinformation, placing greater responsibility on editors to verify facts and ensure balanced reporting.
“In an age where falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak, verification must be your anchor, balance your principle, and professional judgement your guide,” he said.
The President urged editors to be constructive critics of government policy, insisting that informed criticism strengthens governance, while cynicism and sensationalism undermine public trust and national cohesion.
“Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation,” he said. “But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair weakens the very foundations of the society we seek to improve.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, noting that while the policies had been difficult, they were necessary to place the economy on “a strong and enduring footing.” He stressed that the government, the private sector, civil society, and the media must work collaboratively to build national cohesion.
“Nation-building requires cooperation and trust,” he said. “The media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity.”
The President concluded by reminding editors that their influence extends beyond headlines:
“The tone you set in your newsrooms and the courage with which you defend truth will shape the direction of our national journey,” he said.
His remarks came amid growing concern over the spread of misinformation. Similar warnings have been voiced by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Information Minister Mohammed Idris, who have both cautioned that fake news poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and democratic order.
