Nigeria Tells America Its Stance On Sanctity Of Press Freedom
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the inherent principles of press freedom and emphasized its important role in promoting democracy and consensus in governance.
Idris, who stated this in his meeting with the US Charge d’Affairs to Nigeria, Mr. David Greene, who visited him called on the U.S. government to support efforts to establish media best practices, particularly the fact-checking process, to reduce the spread of misinformation, fake news, and disinformation.
The Minister also reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy and support for free press saying that the United States, a key ally, should step up its support for the Tinubu administration and efforts to rebuild the Nigerian economy under the New Hope Agenda, which focuses on food security, Poverty eradication, development, employment creation, access to capital, social, legal and anti-corruption.
Idris said President Tinubu has since begun seeking out foreign business interests, first in Paris for the New Global Financial Agreement and then personally at various business forums to engage with business leaders and affected stakeholders at the G20 meeting in India.
He said he attended the recently concluded Saudi Arabia-Africa summit in Riyadh.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, quoted the Minister as saying, “As you all know, “President Tinubu is attending the G20 African Charter meeting in Berlin, Germany, to strengthen his resolve to develop the Nigerian economy through joint ventures.”
In response, Mr. Green said, the United States supports Nigeria’s independence and has supported media development through continuing education over the years, adding that Nigeria is an important partner in regional security and economic development.
