The federal government has issued a stern warning against the dissemination of fake news that could jeopardise national security.
The government was reacting for the second time to a media report that suggested that it signed the Samoa Agreement, which contains provisions that favour same-sex marriage in the country.
On Thursday, the federal government said it signed the Samoa Agreement strictly for the economic development of the country, adding that there was nowhere in the agreement where LGBTQ+ or same-sex marriage was mentioned.
Addressing journalists on Saturday in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was tolerant of media criticism, but won’t condone anything capable of jeopardising national security.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open arm relationship with the media,” he said.
“It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights. This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is, however, disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government.
“We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.
“While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reporting as part of the media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.
“In addition, the federal government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law. The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech.
“We would, however, not take fake news and disinformation that would injure the peace of our country and its national security lightly,” the Minister vowed.
On his part, the minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said according to the European Council, the Samoa Agreement is the overarching framework for European Union (EU) relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
He stated that the agreement serves as a new legal framework for EU relations with 79 countries, including African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
He emphasised that the agreement covers six priority areas, which are democracy and human rights; sustainable economic growth and development; climate change; human and social development; peace and security, and migration and mobility.
