President Bola Tinubu has said freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to defame others or spread misinformation.
ABUJA, FCT — President Bola Tinubu has stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and should not be used to damage reputations through false claims. According to his remarks, press freedom also carries an obligation to ensure accuracy and avoid the spread of misinformation.
The President said democratic societies depend on free expression and an independent media, but noted that these freedoms come with responsibilities. He maintained that the right to speak freely does not extend to making defamatory statements against individuals or institutions.
According to his position, responsible journalism remains essential to national development and public trust. He urged media practitioners and citizens to uphold ethical standards while exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and expression.
The comments have generated mixed reactions on social media. Supporters described the statement as a reminder of the need for responsible journalism and fact-based reporting, while critics questioned how such principles could be applied without affecting legitimate criticism and public discourse.
Freedom of expression and media rights have remained important issues in Nigeria’s democratic journey, with debates often arising over the balance between protecting reputations and safeguarding free speech. The issue has continued to attract attention from journalists, civil society groups and political observers.
The development means discussions on the limits of free expression and the responsibilities of the media are likely to continue. It also places renewed attention on how Nigeria balances constitutional freedoms with laws relating to defamation and misinformation.
