Idris to The Guardian: Govt, Media Not Adversaries

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris has averred that government and the media are not necessarily opponents in spite of their occasional spats.

He stated this yesterday during a courtesy visit by the management of The Guardian to his office, stressing that despite the occasional misunderstanding between both parties, the media and government were partners in nation-building.

“I do not believe that the government and the Fourth Estate are opponents, but, rather, partners in the arduous task of nation building, a task that occasionally comes divergent perspectives and approaches,” Idris said.

He added that the task of nation-building was hinged on a collective responsibility, adding the media, as society’s watchdog, was expected to be more vigilant in protecting the nation’s democracy, peace, and unity, without which the country may experience serious diminishing returns in the community of nations.

The minister identified The Guardian as a media power house whose history is synonymous with Nigeria’s struggle for representative democracy and the fight against military rule, pointing out that, as such, it should continue to be a pro-democracy spearhead and not yield any grounds to any destabilising notions.

He said it was important that the media grasp the noble intentions of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he said is steeped in visionary reforms that will turn around Nigeria’s socio-economic fortunes.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian, Mr Toke Ibru, said their organisation, widely acclaimed as the flagship of the Nigerian press, is still a torch-bearer in the consolidation process of the nation’s democracy and will continue to promote the ideals of unity, peace, and national security.

The Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mrs Comfort Ajiboye, attended the meeting.

Other management staff on the entourage of Mr. Ibru included Mr Martins Oloja, Editorial Board member, Dr Oluwafemi Adekoya, Editor, and Chuks Nwanne, General Manager, Abuja-Northern Operations.