The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, has acknowledged the power of the social media, describing it as useful and largely unstoppable with about 60% of the population being young people actively on the platforms.
Idris also said the Bola Tinubu administration has no plans to gag or muzzle the media, clarifying that the president respects freedom of speech and the media.
The Minister spoke when he appeared on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday evening, monitored by Persecondnews.
He said: “Nigeria enjoys one of the freest presses in the world. Freedom always comes with responsibility. If you do not have the facts, for goodness’ sake, please refrain from speaking out. You cannot just pick up your pen, smartphone, or laptop and start spreading information you know to be incorrect, thinking you are exercising press freedom.
“We do not attempt to suppress stories or gag anyone. You have traditional media and social media, both of which are vital. Social media is largely unstoppable, and with 60% of our population being young people, many of whom do not read newspapers and are glued to their electronic devices, It is particularly influential.
“Social media is very useful, but what we are saying is: for goodness’ sake, tell the truth. As we speak, the Federal Government is collaborating with UNESCO to establish a media and literacy centre in Nigeria, the first of its kind, which will be set up here in the capital city.
“What this institute will do is help train our media professionals and political office holders to discern between good and bad news.”
Reacting to a question suggesting that there is no press freedom in Nigeria, Idris asked rhetorically, “how many journalists were currently behind bars for holding and expressing their views?”
The minister said Nigerians must put their differences aside to achieve a truly peaceful nation, a goal that can only be realised through collective effort and unity.
He stressed the need for the country to align its faith, politics, religion, and social aspects to build a prosperous nation.
On the Benue bloodletting, Idris said: “Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives in the unfortunate situation in Benue, President Tinubu’s decisive response, including visiting the area and tasking security agencies to arrest perpetrators, is a welcome move.
“His impassioned call for unity and collective action to forge a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria is a significant step in the right direction, one that holds great promise for the nation’s future ”
Idris said that the insecurity is not a failure of government, as this has been happening over the past decades.
He added that government has a great responsibility to ensure that people’s lives and property are protected, and President Tinubu recognised this, which is why he was deeply pained by the killings.
Speaking on the government effort in tackling insecurity and the results it has yielded, the minister said: “Consider the significant investment the President has made in security since taking office. A substantial amount of money has been allocated for security, with over 35 helicopters and aeroplanes procured, along with four vessels.
“Additionally, large quantities of ammunition have been acquired to aid in combating these criminal elements, and it has yielded notable results. For instance, the road between Kaduna and Abuja, which was previously treacherous, is now safe to travel.
“While the problem of insecurity is far from over, it is essential to note that the President has never claimed to have completely solved the security situation in the country. However, there is a clear political will and concerted effort being made.
“A key factor in winning this war is the newfound alignment between the security forces. As a result, farmers are gradually returning to their farmland.
“Although the situation is not yet fully resolved, particularly with the resurgence of criminal elements in the North East and some parts of the North West and North Central States, we have seen a steady and gradual return to normalcy.”
On the numbers of criminals that have been neutralised and those that have been rehabilitated, Idris said: “Look at the number of criminal elements that have been taken out. The latest statistics show that over 13,500 of them have been eliminated, including their leaders in the northern part of Nigeria.
“There are still pockets of them remaining, but over 120,000 of them have surrendered, and over 17,000 who were taken hostage by our security forces have been reunited with their families.
“Let me take you back to what happened in Kaduna State about a year or two ago, when children were taken hostage by these criminal elements. For the first time, there was clear ownership by the government.
“Within two hours, there was a statement signed by the President himself, which was made public. He gave a clear directive, and within a short period, the children were reunited with their families.”
On Nigeria’s porous borders, Idris, who noted that the Minister of Interior is on top of it, said: “Clearly, our borders are porous. Fighting insecurity needs to be done holistically, we need to be aligned with our neighbouring countries, which is why we have the Multi-National Joint Task Force in Maiduguri, with all parties working together.
“Securing our borders is a very challenging task. Nigeria is a vast country, and the Minister of Interior has stated that significant funding is required to achieve this.
“Recently, the President announced plans to recruit additional immigration officers to help strengthen these borders and introduce technology to enhance security. However, these initiatives are still works in progress.”
Reacting to a question that the government has lost the goodwill of the people, the Minister said: “I believe the Nigerian people trust this government. There is an understanding and faith in the government. All the initiatives we have outlined are gradually taking shape, although progress may seem slow.
“This is perhaps due to the deep-seated decay that has been prevalent. It is like rebuilding a structure that lacks a strong foundation – you need to go back to basics, rebuild, and establish a solid foundation.”
On the alleged plan by some Northern politicians working against President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Idris said: “This is democracy in action. You would not expect everyone to think alike all the time.
“Yes, many of them are members of our party, and a few have left because they feel they cannot find a place within the party they have helped build. But let me assure you, this party is rock-solid and strong.
“The President will return to Lagos after his second term in office because, so far, he has done well, and Nigerians will vote for him for a second term.”
On the rumoured feud between the President and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the Minister dismissed such suggestion, saying the duo has been working seamlessly on their assignments.
“I can assure you that such a feud exists only in the minds of those who want to believe it. I have had the opportunity to see them work together, and there is no substance to these claims,” Idris said.
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