From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidency has declared as unacceptable an article in The Guardian that harsh policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are driving citizens to desperate measures, including advocating for military rule.
In an open letter titled: “Re: “Misery, Harsh Policies Driving Nigerians To Desperate Choices” – Open Letter To The Guardian,” the Presidency in response said its “unacceptable for any publication, including The Guardian, to incite calls for military intervention based on transient difficulties”, noting that this sentiment reflects a growing concern over the media’s role in shaping public discourse during challenging times.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement emphasised the need for responsible journalism, stating, “A more cautious and responsible approach would have better served its readers and the nation.”
He urged media outlets to uphold standards of fairness and objectivity, asserting, “journalism, like our democracy, thrives on fairness and objectivity.”
Onanuga called on The Guardian and similar platforms to prioritize balanced reporting that fosters dialogue rather than division. “At this time, we need our people and the media to rally around the government as the Tinubu-led administration steers our country through this challenging period to a better future,” he added.
Despite ongoing economic difficulties, including rising inflation and unemployment rates, Onanuga highlighted recent positive indicators.
He noted that the Nigerian economy is projected to grow by 3.76% in 2024 due to reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of the naira exchange rate.
“These measures aim to reduce corruption and inefficiency while encouraging private investment,” he explained.
The statement read in part: “The Guardian newspaper’s lead story of Friday, October 25, 2024 with the title: “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices,” openly incites unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and advocates regime change under the guise of journalism. The inflammatory headline 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.
This is evident in the introduction to the article where the newspaper wrote: “Nigerians were exhilarated with the return of democracy in 1999, but 25 years on, the buccaneering nature of politicians, their penchant for poor service delivery, morbid hatred for probity, accountability, and credible/transparent elections, among others, are forcing some flustered citizens to make extreme choices, including calling for military intervention in governance.
Deep despondency permeates every facet of the polity consequent upon 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.”
“We must question how The Guardian can present an argument for military intervention while superficially denouncing it unless it harbours a deliberate agenda.
This latest editorial reflects a troubling trend in which the publication has persistently propagated inflammatory and negative narratives, stepping dangerously close to undermining the very fabric of responsible journalism.”