President Bola Tinubu has urged media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and integrity.

Speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held on Thursday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, the President noted that the rise of digital platforms has made it possible for virtually anyone with a smartphone to claim to be a journalist.

According to him, press freedom must not be mistaken for a licence to spread falsehood or defame individuals.

He stressed, however, that this reality makes adherence to ethical journalism even more critical.

“In a world where everyone with a smartphone can claim to be a journalist, the standards of professionalism, accuracy, and integrity must never be compromised. Freedom of expression is not freedom to defame,” Tinubu said.

The President cautioned against irresponsible reporting that could undermine national security or weaken public confidence in the country at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to combat criminality.

“We must not undermine our country with irresponsible reporting. If we do, we will have no safe space left, especially at a time when our nation is tackling security threats, neutralizing thousands of criminal elements, and rescuing hostages.

“The media should not become an amplifier for those who wish to harm us,” he stated.

Tinubu acknowledged that disagreements between the government and the media are an inherent feature of democratic governance, emphasizing that both institutions have complementary roles to play in strengthening accountability.

“There is always tension between the government and the press, but that is the nature of democracy.

“The government must act, the media must watch, the government must explain, and the media must question,” the President added.