President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian editors to employ criticism as a means to build the nation rather than destroy it.
Speaking on Wednesday at the annual conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, themed “Democratic governance and national cohesion: The role of editors,” Tinubu highlighted the pivotal role of editors in sustaining democracy and shaping public discourse.
He stressed that while Nigeria’s diversity naturally brings differences, “disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion.”
The president urged media executives to use their platforms responsibly by influencing public understanding with a strong sense of patriotism and integrity.
“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws but also by the integrity of public conversation. This is where your role becomes central and indispensable,” he said.
“As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes the national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted.
“The weight of that responsibility is significant. It must be exercised with wisdom, fairness and a strong sense of national duty.
“Nigeria is a large and diverse country. Debate and differences are part of our reality. However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion.
“Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.”
Also speaking at the event, Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo State, discussed “Electoral integrity and trust deficit: What Nigerians expect in 2027.” He noted that editors play a crucial role in shaping public confidence in the electoral process.
Uzodimma warned that the credibility of the 2027 elections could be undermined before the polls if newsrooms promote misinformation or tribal narratives in their reporting.
Meanwhile, Eze Anaba, president of the NGE, called for the creation of a media development fund to support the “digital transformation of Nigerian media.”
He emphasized that the fund should be managed by an independent board to ensure transparency and prevent political interference.