In a recent statement, Information Minister, Malagi, clarified that the current administration has no intentions of controlling the media. Instead, he emphasized the importance of media practitioners maintaining appropriate conduct.
Contrary to any fears of media censorship, Malagi highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a democrat, understands the value of media and has profited from it throughout his career. Malagi stated, “Nobody will be pressured, President Tinubu is a democrat as you know and he is a product of communication because he has relied over the years on the media to also shape him as he is.”
Referring to the current media landscape, the minister asked, “You can see that already happening, who has been pressured? Which broadcast station has been pressured? Which newspaper house has been pressured?” Malagi reassured that there are no plans to pressure media entities.
On the issue of false information spread through social media, Malagi acknowledged that it is a global problem, not limited to Nigeria. He informed that the government is taking steps to address this issue in its own way. Moreover, the United Nations is in the process of releasing guidelines for the use of social media, aiming to combat the spread of false information. Malagi urged all nations to follow these guidelines.
The minister also stressed the importance of creating a secure environment for both media practitioners and the public they serve. He expressed the need for security agents to consider the situation so that the media can operate freely, promoting responsible journalism while ensuring public safety.
Overall, the Nigerian government’s support for media freedom, coupled with its commitment to combating false information on social media, reflects its stance on upholding responsible journalism in the country.
