By Esther Agbo
In a stern address at the National Press Centre today Saturday, July 6, 2024, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris criticized the Daily Trust over what he described as “reckless reporting” on Samoa Agreement report that threatens national security and stability.
The Minister, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasized the administration’s commitment to press freedom while condemning what he termed as abuses of such freedoms.
Idris highlighted the President’s longstanding advocacy for democracy and human rights, emphasizing on the government’s tolerance of media criticism and protection of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. However, he expressed concern over what he termed a “pattern” of irresponsible journalism, particularly by the Daily Trust.
He said, “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 media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.
“The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with a tar. On many occasions we have restrained ourselves from believing that this was the case but the consistency of the jejune and mischievous publications leaves us with no option.”
Idris pointed to episodes where the Daily Trust allegedly spread false claims about government actions, including the renaming of a major expressway and involvement in international military agreements, without providing credible evidence. He accused the newspaper of causing disaffection and raising tensions, notably with recent unfounded allegations regarding LGBTQ rights.
“Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all those instances all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsays. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
“We however did not envisage that Daily Trust and people behind it could decend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ. We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed. Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.
“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers,” Idris asserted, noting the ensuing public uproar fueled by the report.
Despite these grievances, Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to handling the situation with civility and adherence to the rule of law, refraining from punitive measures against the press. He announced the government’s intent to formally lodge complaints with the Nigerian Press Association Ombudsman and pursue legal action against the Daily Trust.
“This afternoon, I have the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning to provide more clarity on this issue.
“But beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting.
“In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law,” Idris added.
Meanwhile, Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for ethical journalism and free speech, cautioning against the dissemination of fake news and misinformation that could jeopardize national peace and security.
“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 it’s national security lightly.”