Sunusi Yakubu.
Blaming Journalists For Reporting Hardship, Killings, Abductions Is Like Blaming
A Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s administration for criticizing journalists over reports on hardship, killings and abductions in the country. He said attacking the media for exposing realities is misplaced.
Atiku made the comment while reacting to recent statements from government officials who accused the press of amplifying negative news. He argued that journalists only report what citizens are experiencing, and silencing them will not solve the underlying problems.
“Blaming journalists for reporting hardship, killings and abductions is like blaming a thermometer for fever,” the former VP said. He noted that the thermometer only shows the temperature, just as the media only reflects the condition of the nation.
He urged the federal government to focus on addressing insecurity, economic hardship and poverty instead of confronting the press. According to him, citizens deserve honest information to hold leaders accountable and to demand solutions.
Atiku added that a free press remains critical to democracy and national progress. He called on the Tinubu administration to create an environment where journalists can work without intimidation while government tackles the root causes of the challenges Nigerians face.
