The federal government says it will not overlook fake news capable of undermining the national security of the country.
This is the government’s second time reaction to a media report that hinted that it signed the Samoa agreement which contains provisions for same-sex marriage.
On Thursday, the federal government announced that it signed the Samoa agreement stringently for the economic development of the country, noting that there is nowhere in the particular agreement where LGBTQ+ or same-sex marriage was cited.
Speaking in a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, said the Bola Tinubu administration is tolerant of media criticism, but won’t okay anything capable of jeopardising national security.
“The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open arm relationship with the media,” Idris said.
“It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.
“This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is however 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 organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.
“While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reporting as part of the media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.
“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 its national security lightly.”
According to the European Council, the Samoa agreement is the enveloping structure for European Union (EU) relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
It (Samoa agreement) stands as a new legal framework for EU relations with 79 countries, including African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.
The agreement incorporates six priority points, which are democracy and human rights; sustainable economic growth and development; climate change; human and social development; peace and security; and migration and mobility.