Information Minister: No Journalist Jailed During Tinubu’s Administration on World Press Freedom Day

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has said that no journalist has been incarcerated under the Bola Tinubu administration for practicing responsible journalism, stressing that the media is largely free in Nigeria.

He assured that the federal government would continue to protect the interests of journalists and will not compromise press freedom.

The minister said this while answering questions at a press briefing organised by his ministry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO), to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

But some pundits believe the idea of “responsible journalism” would be difficult to interpret, and noted that recent happenings point to the fact that some people vested with power under the Tinubu administration were abusing it.

They cited the arrest and prolonged detention of journalist and FirstNews Editor, Segun Olatunji, and the brother to Reportera News owner, Chika Victor Ibezim, which negate the minister’s comment.

Olatunji was held for 14 days over a publication allegedly abusing the Chief of Defence Intelligence, while Ibezim has been held for over eight months after security operatives failed to arrest his brother for a publication linking former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola to the Presidential Election Petition Court’s judgement.

While explaining his position, the minister of information said spreading falsehood and misinformation is irresponsible journalism, and cannot be equated with genuine expression of press freedom.

He said President Tinubu recognises the importance of responsible media coverage in enlightening, informing, and educating Nigerians and the world, adding that through credible and timely information, everyone can be well-informed, and the media can serve as a valuable tool for fostering transparency and accountability.