Just In: Government Threatens Legal Steps Over Samoa Agreement Misinformation

Just In: Government Threatens Legal Steps Over Samoa Agreement Misinformation....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Government has announced potential legal action against the Daily Trust newspaper for what it describes as misinformation and the dissemination of fake news regarding the Samoa agreement. This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press conference at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Saturday, July 6……… CONTINUE READING

Minister Idris expressed the government’s concern over the integrity of journalism and its impact on national perception and international relations. He highlighted the Samoa agreement report by Daily Trust as a significant instance of misleading journalism. “Such reporting not only misguides the public but also tarnishes the image of our nation,” Idris stated.

The Minister revealed that the Federal Government plans to lodge an official complaint with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), seeking to address and rectify the journalistic standards employed by Daily Trust in reporting on government affairs. Additionally, the government is considering pursuing legal redress to hold the newspaper accountable for the alleged spread of misinformation.

According to Idris: “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open relationship with the media. This administration has been very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. However, it is disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organizations and individuals that border on national security and stability.

“While we sometimes view and treat such reporting as part of the media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to dismiss as normal journalism.

“The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust in recent months appear to be a deliberate effort to tarnish the government. On many occasions, we have restrained ourselves from believing this was the case, but the consistency of these mischievous publications leaves us with no option.

“In the aftermath of the coup in Niger Republic, Daily Trust promoted a biased narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into a war, twisting it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection. The same newspaper gave a prominent headline to a baseless accusation that the Government was planning to establish foreign military bases in the country. Neither Daily Trust nor the originators of these allegations provided any evidence.

“Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularized a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all these instances, the paper relied on falsehoods and hearsay, showing no remorse or humility to retract.

“We did not expect that Daily Trust and its backers could descend to the reckless level of attempting to incite unrest by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ rights. This is despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the signed document. The paper provided no evidence to support their claim.

“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately became the basis for sermons by some respected imams who were misled by the story, thereby raising tempers.

“On the part of the Government, we continue on the honorable path of civility by restraining ourselves from taking drastic measures. While past governments clamped down on the media for much lesser infractions, we are choosing the path of civility and the rule of law.

“This afternoon, I have the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning here to provide more clarity on this issue.

“But beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint with the NPAN Ombudsman regarding this irresponsible reporting. In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in court.

“The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. We will, however, not tolerate fake news and disinformation that jeopardize the peace and national security of our country.

“We once again thank you for your support and cooperation.”