Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday described Nigerian journalists as the country’s foremost defence against authoritarian threats, insisting that press freedom remains non-negotiable under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria,” Shettima praised the media for stabilising the country during periods of tension by exposing misinformation and holding leaders accountable.
“We owe you a space of practice devoid of harassment, intimidation or fear. That much is non-negotiable,” the Vice President said, assuring that the government is committed to safeguarding journalists and ensuring an environment where truth can flourish.
Shettima lauded the Nigerian media for its historic resilience against authoritarianism, insisting that no dictatorship could take root in the country as long as journalists continue to play their watchdog role.
“It is impossible, utterly impossible, to have a successful dictator in Nigeria,” he said. “Never in our history has any person or government succeeded in suppressing the media permanently.”
He also commended journalists for resisting foreign disinformation campaigns and refusing to yield to external manipulation, describing their stance as “honourable.”
While affirming the administration’s respect for free expression, Shettima urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and prioritise verification over sensationalism. He warned that a nation without a free press risks losing both direction and its democratic voice.
Earlier, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to independent journalism, describing both the President and Vice President as among the most media-friendly leaders in Nigeria’s history. He said government agencies operate under strict protocols during civil demonstrations to balance security with media rights.
