President Bola Tinubu has called on the media to hold both elected and appointed government officials accountable in a way that would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
resident Bola Tinubu has called on the media to hold both elected and appointed government officials accountable in a way that would strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
He made the call at the 20th edition of the All Nigeria Editors Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Tinubu, who made the call on Thursday, was represented by the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the conference, which had the theme: Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country.
He stated that the roles of the media and government are intertwined and must be carried out in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, aligned to achieve common goals.
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“In any thriving democracy, the roles of the government and the media are intertwined, both essential in serving the public interest. Of course, the media has a duty to hold elected and appointed officials accountable and ensure that we are doing our work in a manner that strengthens democracy – not weakens it. That important work must be done in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, not recrimination and opposition; this alignment enables us to achieve common goals that benefit society at large,” Tinubu said.
The president emphasised the need for both parties to see each other as allies in nation-building, creating an environment where transparency, accountability, and mutual respect can thrive.
“By viewing each other as allies in nation-building, we can create an environment where transparency, accountability, and mutual respect thrive. Together, the government and the media can empower citizens, strengthen democratic institutions, and build a more informed and resilient society,” he said.
Regarding the conference’s theme, Tinubu noted that despite Nigeria being endowed with both human and natural resources, the pressing question remains: how to “translate these resources into meaningful growth and development.”
He explained that his administration had spent the past 18 months laying the foundation for a prosperous nation and went on to enumerate some of his achievements during this period.
Also speaking, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri acknowledged the significance of the media in democratic governance, noting that the media’s importance has been recognised since the 17th century. He pointed out that democracy relies on the media to thrive.
Diri stated that the media serves as a beacon of hope, promotes understanding and unity, and that its role as guardians of truth was especially critical in “these turbulent times both in our nation and around the world.”
He also emphasised that integrity is the cornerstone of the profession, which builds trust with the public and fortifies the foundations of a healthy democracy.
Diri described the conference theme as “both relevant and timely,” adding that “we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development. Our nation brims with abundant resources, yet poverty and underdevelopment persist across countless communities: a striking paradox.”
