Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Aide to the President on Media and Publicity, has discussed the Federal Government's decision to take legal action against Daily Trust Newspaper for allegedly spreading false information about the Samoa agreement.
Speaking in an interview with TVC News, Ngelale alleged that in the past, a former president went to the extreme of demolishing a media station with bulldozers to suppress dissenting opinions.
In striking contrast, Ngelale commended the current administration's adherence to the rule of law.
He pointed out that the present government's approach is fundamentally different, choosing to address illegal actions by both private and public entities through legal means rather than resorting to oppressive tactics.
Ngelale praised the Minister of Information for this commitment to the rule of law.
He underscored that pursuing legal avenues to address grievances ensures that the government's actions are in line with democratic principles.
He said that this approach marks a significant departure from the heavy-handed methods used by previous administrations.
He highlighted that the government's legal action against Daily Trust Newspaper is a demonstration of this commitment to democracy and due process.
Ngelale stressed that while the government is firm in addressing falsehoods and misinformation, it does so within the framework of the law.
The current administration, according to Ngelale, believes in the importance of a free press and the role it plays in a democratic society.
However, he emphasised that this freedom comes with the responsibility to report accurately and fairly.
Ajuri Ngelale said, "There was a time in this country after 1999 when we had gone into civilian rule. A former president demolished a media station with bulldozers because of its opinions. Those are draconian steps that would be taken by a government that is not abiding by the principles of media freedom or freedom of expression.
"I think what the minister of information has described is a process that is very much in line with the rule of law and takes up the available legal measures in the court of law to deal with any illegal act by any entity, whether private or public.
"I don't think any Nigerian looking at a court case between the Federal Government and a media house would see that as a Draconian step."
Watch the interview video here (start from 0:50).