Under My Govt You Can Insult Me And Sleep Peacefully Without Midnight Arrest — Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom, declaring that Nigerians can criticise or attack him without fear of harassment or midnight arrests.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this in a message delivered on his behalf at the centenary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, where the Nigerian Grand Book was also launched.

“Under this government, you can insult, attack the President, and still go to bed without midnight knocks,” Tinubu said.

He said his administration recognises the critical role of the media in shaping the destiny of the nation and remains committed to freedom of the press in line with the Constitution.

The President said the principle was central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the reforms were designed not merely to alter policies, but to change the trajectory of the Nigerian economy and society.

“The reforms seek to build a stronger fiscal foundation, create a more productive economy, strengthen institutions, attract investment, improve infrastructure, expand opportunities for young Nigerians and position the country to compete more effectively in the global economy,” he said.

Describing the centenary as a testament to endurance and institutional resilience, Tinubu said the Daily Times had not only reported Nigeria’s history but also played an important role as an analyst and catalyst in the country’s development, from the colonial era and the struggle for independence to the current democratic era.

He described the Nigerian Grand Book as an important companion to the centenary, noting that a nation that understands its history can learn from its setbacks and confidently design its future.

“A nation that forgets its history is doomed to repeat its mistakes. But a nation that understands its history can grow with it, learn from its setbacks, and confidently design its future,” he said.

He said Nigeria’s present challenges are rooted in structural weaknesses accumulated over decades, and that national renewal requires courage to understand the past and make difficult but necessary choices.

He urged Nigerians to transform diversity into strength rather than division and warned of the implications of Nigeria’s projected population of about 450 million by 2050 for food security and resources.

Tinubu commended the Chairman of the Daily Times, Fidelis Anosike, and the management for preserving national heritage and recommended the book to schools, libraries and institutions.