Tinubu Won’t Gag Media, Minister Assures Practitioners

Minister of information, Mohammed Idris has emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom and freedom of expression, stating that there would be no attempt to stifle the press.

He disclosed this to State House correspondents yesterday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The minister said the government, including the president, values the fundamental principles of free speech and independent journalism.

On the suggestion of registering journalists, he said, “Well, that is being looked at. You know that Mr. President believes in press freedom. He believes in the freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form.

“He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press that has been free is even freer. Yeah. But like I said all the time – this freedom also comes with enormous responsibility. You can’t just say what is not right, because you’re enjoying press freedom. There’ll be freedom. But is that responsible freedom,” he said

Concerning the welfare of press professionals, he assured that plans are in motion, saying, “I have discussed that with Mr. President. We are working on a roadmap for it.”