The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Muhammad Idris Malagi, affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to encourage the practice of responsible journalism and not the gag press in the country.
Idris made this known on Wednesday, October 18, in Abuja while briefing State House Correspondents.
He opined that a free and vibrant media practice and social media were significant to the success of the administration and the promotion of nationalism and patriotism.
“Mr President and all of us in that sector are committed to ensuring that there’s press freedom. That freedom, like I said, comes with responsibility. A lot of things that some of these people on social media are doing are also not very patriotic.
“Sometimes you say news that is not factual. But I don’t want a situation where it will be seen that the government is trying to gag the press. I want that to be underscored.
“There is no attempt by the government to gag the press. We’re going to do whatever it takes that is responsible and also accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.
“The President values the freedom of the press and will continue to engage it at all times,’’ he uttered.
The minister hinted that the administration would engage in national reorientation of citizens in order to achieve its objectives of value reorientation and inclusiveness.
“Mr President has given me a marching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again. We’re coming up with national discourse on orientation or reorientation, so that Nigerians can believe in their country.
“You know that people don’t even believe in leaders that they elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to government offices overseas, you don’t even see the symbol of our collective existence flying even in public buildings.
