Nigeria’s minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described President Bola Tinubu as a foremost democrat who is committed to free speech and upholding the rights of the people.
Idris said the president has re-affirmed his commitment to fostering constructive criticism and healthy opposition which he believes are the essential pillars needed for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the ongoing Ministerial Briefing Session in Abuja, the minister said President Tinubu has pledged his continued support for a conducive media space across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 20, the media aide to the minister, Rabiu Ibrahim said Idris used the opportunity to felicitate with all journalists on the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
“I want to re-emphasize that President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to protecting the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians and also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition because of their essential role in reinforcing and deepening our democratic framework.
“I hereby take the liberty to reaffirm the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration to upholding press freedom and creating a conducive environment for media practice in Nigeria,” the minister said.
He also assured the public that the President Tinubu’s administration believes that a free and responsible press is key to national development.