THE Presidency has reacted to an article by the Guardian newspaper, describing it as an attempt to incite unrest against President Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Saturday, titled, “Re: “Misery, Harsh Policies Driving Nigerians to Desperate Choices” – Open Letter To The Guardian,” the presidency criticised the newspaper’s lead story of Friday, October 25, 2024, titled, “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices.”
The presidency claimed in the statement signed by the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, that the article openly incited unrest and advocated for regime change under the guise of journalism.
“The inflammatory headline, cartoon, and content deviate from responsible reporting. The Guardian’s agenda is unmistakable from the cover illustration to the article. In attempting to create a balanced veneer, the author condemns military rule while fanning the flames of military intervention,” Onannuga stated.
He also quoted and faulted the part of the article which reads, “Deep despondency permeates every facet of the polity consequent upon the soaring cost of living. And while the political elite splurge on fine wines and exotic automobiles amid poor service delivery, calls for regime change could become more strident in the days ahead even though military insurrection holds no solution to the country’s woes.”
According to Onanuga, the Guardian presents an argument for military intervention while superficially denouncing it.
The article by Guardian explores the growing calls for military intervention in Nigeria due to widespread dissatisfaction with the government and soaring cost of living. The report puts forward that since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigerian politics have been marred by corruption, lack of accountability, and inadequate service delivery.
It added that these failures have resulted in high poverty rates, inflation, unemployment, and security concerns, while noting that many Nigerians feel that their leaders prioritise personal gain over public service, contributing to an increasingly frustrated populace.
In addition the Guardian article noted that some citizens view military rule as a potential solution, despite the historical abuses associated with military governance. However, the article argues military intervention is not a genuine solution.
“Juxtaposed [civilian rule] with military rule, the difference between both is something akin to six and half a dozen. This is indeed the dilemma that most hapless citizens have found themselves in, which has now forced some of them to tinker with extreme choices, including calling for returning the military to governance.
By whatever nomenclature or appellation that it goes by, military rule is an aberration in modern society, given the repressive, rapacious, and gluttonous tendencies”, the article reads in part.
Onanuga in his statement argued that the report lacked data and failed to exhibit the journalistic rigour that the situation demanded.
He urged media organisations to propagate responsible reporting that contributes to an informed citizenry.
While journalism ethics and standards require responsible journalism as claimed by the presidency, The ICIR reports that attacks and harassment of journalists and the media by security operatives, especially the police, under Tinubu’s watch, have been concerning.
In August, The ICIR published a report asking Tinubu’s administration if it could guarantee press free in Nigeria.
The report followed a gale of attacks, including wilful arrests and incarceration of journalists by public officials, using state security agents.
A reporter with the ICIR
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