Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to uphold fundamental principles of free speech and freedom of expression, saying there would be no attempt to stifle the press.

Idris gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen after he met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. On a reported plan to register journalists, he said: “That is being looked at. You know that Mr. President believes in press freedom. He believes in freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form. He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press, that has been free, is even freer.

“But like I said all the time, this freedom also comes with enormous responsibility. You can’t just speak what is not right, because you’re enjoying press freedom.”

There’ll be freedom, but is that responsible freedom?”

Speaking on welfare of media professionals, the minister said: “I have discussed that with Mr. President. We are working on a roadmap for it.” Idris added: “There is no attempt by the government to gag the press. We’re going to ensure responsible and accountable journalism. Responsible journalism is the way to go.”