PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu announced yesterday that his administration is ready to defend media freedom and accept all viewpoints, whether adversarial or complimentary of the current administration.
He made the promise during a meeting with members of the Nigerian Newspaper Proprietors’ Association (NPAN) in Abuja.
Tinubu promised his visitors that he would carefully consider their request for a review of policies affecting the paper industry, citing their concerns about current regulations limiting local access to newsprint.
Regarding the issues that travelers encounter during the holiday season, the President stated that the Federal Government is taking steps to reduce the high cost of transportation by issuing waivers to operators in the air, road, and rail transportation systems.
He also stated that efforts were being made to minimize the cost of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
His words: “I care about what is going on in the country. I thank you for your support and opinions, even the criticism of our government. Without the support of some of you, I will not be standing here as President.
“You have held our feet to the fire, and we will continue to respect your opinions whether we agree or not. One thing I must say is that I read every paper, various opinions, and columnists.”
Tinubu said his administration will remain steadfast in “reinvigorating, retooling and re-engineering the economy,” citing bold decisions to end the petrol subsidy regime and initiate the ongoing unification of foreign exchange rates.
“I promise you a very transparent government. We will try our best to draw water from a dry well and create a good economic environment that will serve the people. The future of our country is clear with committed investments in health, infrastructure, transportation and education, among others. We have to take care of the poor. If we invest in our own children and leave the children of the poor, the children of neglect will attack your investments,” he added.
In his remarks, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and responsible media landscape in the country.
“Our democracy thrives on the principles of transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. The role of the media, particularly the newspapers, is paramount in upholding these principles,” he noted.
The minister commended NPAN for offering a platform for national discourse and different viewpoints, and urged the organization to work with the Tinubu administration through effective dialogue, advancing shared values, and addressing national concerns.
While congratulating President Tinubu on his election victory and Supreme Court confirmation, NPAN president and chairman of Media Trust, owners of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Kabiru Yusuf, underlined critical challenges facing the newspaper industry.
“Our particular concern is the newspaper industry, which employs thousands of Nigerians: journalists, marketers, distributors, administrators and accountants. Newspapers are also part of the building blocks of democracy and reliable sources of information in a world that is overwhelmed by fake news,” he said.
