VP SHETTIMA SAYS PRESS FREEDOM IS NON-NEGOTIABLE UNDER TINUBU
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Nigerian journalists as the nation’s main defence against authoritarian threats, reaffirming that press freedom remains a firm priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the 2025 IPI Nigeria Conference in Abuja, Shettima said the media has always helped stabilise the country by fighting misinformation and holding leaders accountable. He assured journalists of full protection from harassment, intimidation, or censorship.
He stressed that dictatorship cannot survive in a country with a vigilant press, commending journalists for resisting disinformation and foreign interference. Shettima urged media professionals to uphold ethics and prioritise verification in an age of viral falsehoods.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris also restated the government’s commitment to a free press, describing Tinubu and Shettima as media-friendly leaders. He said the administration seeks constructive engagement with the media, not control.
IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed and IPI Global Director Scott Griffen called for stronger protection and collaboration to safeguard journalists and strengthen independent reporting.