President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged Nigerian editors to uphold integrity and fairness in their reportage, describing responsible journalism as essential to sustaining democracy and national cohesion.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, Tinubu said the media must continue to act as a stabilising force in a rapidly changing information environment.
“The freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise.
“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” he stated.
The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” brought together editors, senior journalists and policymakers to reflect on how the media can strengthen unity amid national challenges.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian press for its historical role in advancing justice and democracy, recalling how journalists “endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good.”
He, however, cautioned that the digital age has amplified misinformation, making the editorial function more critical than ever.
The president urged editors to be constructive in their criticism of government policies while maintaining fairness and accuracy.
He urged, “As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted. The weight of that responsibility is significant. It must be exercised with wisdom, fairness and a strong sense of national duty.
“Nigeria is a large and diverse country. Debate and differences are part of our reality. However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion. Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.
“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation.
“Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle and professional judgement must be your guide.
“I urge you, therefore, to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism. Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at long-term stability and prosperity.
“On our part, this administration remains committed to securing our nation, sustaining economic stability and widening the circle of opportunity for all citizens.
Tinubu’s call came amid growing concern over the spread of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in the media.
