By: Hauwa Gidado, Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on the media to demonstrate responsibility and patriotism in their reportage, emphasising the need to support the government’s ongoing efforts to address security issues.
Dr. Alake made the call at a ministerial press briefing jointly held with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at Radio House, Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He commended the Minister of Information for presenting “instructive statistics and data” countering claims of inaction by the administration, noting that the Tinubu government relies on “empirical verification, not emotional reactions,” in addressing the country’s challenges.
According to him, the government’s comprehensive reforms in the nation’s security architecture, including the restructuring of leadership in security agencies since 2023, have begun to yield tangible results.
He cited reports by global organisations indicating that Nigeria has recorded its lowest in security incidents in the past decade under the current administration.
Dr. Alake stressed that security issues in Nigeria are largely driven by economic and political factors, not religious persecution, cautioning against narratives that misrepresent the motives behind attacks.
He urged journalists to be circumspect in their reporting, reminding them of the “responsibility theory of the press”, which charges the media to safeguard societal stability. “If there is no society, there is no press. We must protect the sanctity of our nation to practice our profession in peace,” he said.
Citing examples, Alake noted how sensational headlines sometimes strengthen the hands of terrorists by portraying security agencies in a negative light. “When terrorists kill soldiers, the headline screams it. But when the military kills terrorists, the report says the military claims to have done so. That creates skepticism and emboldens the enemy,” he said.
He also warned against the actions of certain foreign-backed groups and political actors pushing divisive narratives for selfish reasons, describing such moves as “acts of sabotage against Nigeria.”
“The media must resist being used as a tool for internal division or foreign manipulation,” he said. “It’s time for all Nigerians to speak with one voice. Every nation has internal disagreements, but turning them into weapons of conflict is not the way forward.”
Alake urged journalists to promote national unity, security consciousness, and factual reporting, noting that these are essential to sustaining peace and democratic progress in Nigeria.
“The media must recognize its duty to protect the stability of the nation,” Alake said. “If there’s no peace, there’s no press. We need a united, peaceful Nigeria to practice journalism freely,” the Minister emphasised.
Olusola Akintonde