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The Federal Government considers legal action against Daily Trust for alleged misinformation on the Samoa agreement, citing concerns over journalistic integrity.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Federal Government has announced potential legal actions against Daily Trust newspaper for alleged misinformation and dissemination of fake news regarding the Samoa agreement.
This statement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press conference at the National Press Centre in Abuja on Saturday, July 6.
Minister Idris expressed the government’s concern over the integrity of journalism and its impact on national perception and international relations. He highlighted the Daily Trust’s report on the Samoa agreement as a significant instance of misleading journalism. ‘Such reporting not only misguides the public but also tarnishes the image of our nation,’ Idris stated.
The Minister revealed that the Federal Government plans to lodge an official complaint with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), aiming to address and rectify the journalistic standards employed by Daily Trust in its reporting on government affairs. Additionally, the government is considering legal action to hold the newspaper accountable for the alleged spread of misinformation.
‘The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open relationship with the media, in line with the President’s commitment to democracy and human rights,’ Idris said. ‘This administration has been very tolerant of media criticism and has guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. However, it is disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organizations and individuals that border on national security and stability.’
Idris further elaborated on the consistent pattern of what he described as ‘insidious and inciting’ publications by Daily Trust, suggesting a deliberate effort to tarnish the government’s image. He referenced the newspaper’s coverage following the coup in Niger Republic, where Daily Trust allegedly promoted a narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into war and twisted it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection. The same newspaper also reportedly gave prominence to a baseless accusation that the Government was planning to establish foreign military bases in the country, without providing any evidence.
‘While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reports as part of the media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to dismiss as normal journalism,’ Idris concluded.”
FG Suit Samoa Agreement
“Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all those instances all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsays. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
“We however did not envisage that Daily Trust and people behind it could decend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ. We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed. Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.
“The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers.
“On the part of the Government, we continue on the honourable path of civility by restraining ourselves from taking self-help or draconian measures. While past governments clamped down on the media for infractions much lower than this, we are however toeing the path of civility and the rule of law.
“This afternoon, I have the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning to provide more clarity on this issue.
“But beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting.
“In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in the court of law.
“The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. We would however not take fake news and disinformation that would injure the peace of our country and it’s national security lightly.
“We once again thank you for your support and cooperation.”
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