The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has criticized some social media handlers for disseminating false and unpatriotic information. He said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would not gag any media organization, but would remain committed to ensuring responsible journalism.
Idris said that President Tinubu is saddled with the responsibility of renewing the confidence of Nigerians in their country, and will soon initiate a national dialogue on orientation and reorientation, with the goal of re-establishing Nigerians’ trust in their nation.
He also bemoaned the citizens’ loss of values and general lack of trust in their nation, saying that this was working against the dreams and aspirations of the leaders. He emphasized that the administration of President Tinubu is actively working to reintroduce the values of discipline, patriotism, and a belief in the nation’s ideals that were instilled by the founding fathers.
Idris stressed that this will herald a fresh perspective in the roles of the Federal Ministry of Information and will place national orientation at its core. He said that the ministry is in the process of formulating a comprehensive plan to revitalise the sector, an initiative that is targeted at restoring Nigerians’ faith in their country.
The minister’s comments come at a time when social media abuse is on the rise in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of online harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against journalists, activists, and other individuals who have expressed dissenting views.
Some critics have accused the government of President Muhammadu Buhari of using social media platforms to spread misinformation and propaganda. They have also pointed to the government’s crackdown on dissent, which has included the arrest and detention of journalists and activists.
It is unclear whether the administration of President Bola Tinubu will take a different approach to social media management. However, Idris’s comments suggest that the government is aware of the problem of social media abuse and is committed to addressing it.