Reforms: Presidency flays The Guardian for ‘inflammatory, irresponsible’ reportage

*The Nigerian Government reacts to The Guardian Newspaper report against the authorities, stating the reportage ‘lacks empirical data and fails to exhibit the journalistic rigour’, and could embolden anarchists’ intent on disrupting the West African country’s democratic process

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Presidency has described the headline and content of the lead story of The Guardian Nigeria as “inflammatory”, and one deviating from responsible reporting.

The Federal Government said the publication had discussed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and advocated regime change under the guise of journalism.

The Guardian is a Nigerian independent daily newspaper, established in 1983, published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, with the headquarters in Lagos.

ConsumerConnect reports The Guardian Newspaper’s lead story of Friday, October 25, 2024, was titled: “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices”.

Reacting to the headline and content of the news publication, Mr. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, at the weekend, stated that The Guardian publication “openly incites unrest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and advocates regime change under the guise of journalism.

“The inflammatory headline and content deviate from responsible reporting.”

Report fanning flames of military intervention in Nigeria

The statement noted The Guardian’s agenda is unmistakable from the cover illustration to the article.

The Presidency said: “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.”

The newspaper was quoted to have reported thus: “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.”

On inflammatory, negative narratives devoid of empirical data

The Nigerian Government also stated The Guardian said: “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.”

Onanuga asserted: “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.”

According to the Presidency, the lead story in the newspaper edition “relies heavily upon emotive language and imagery—such as an illustration of military armoured tank—to bolster its argument while neglecting to present a balanced view.

The newspaper further indulges in lampooning the current administration while ignoring positive developments in Nigeria’s economic landscape.

“The report lacks empirical data and fails to exhibit the journalistic rigour that the situation demands.

“It appears lost on The Guardian that such narratives could embolden anarchists’ intent on disrupting our democratic process.”

Explaining the dangers inherent in the newspaper’s alleged negative narratives, the government averred: “Military rule is an anachronism in modern civilisations, irrespective of its framing, due to the oppressive nature typically associated with its practice.

“Guided by its experience in 1984, when two of its journalists were jailed by the military regime for reporting the truth, The Guardian acknowledges that military rule is terrible.”

The Nigerian newspaper yet attempted to provoke public ire against President Tinubu by suggesting that he governs with less regard for citizens than military dictators once did, stated the Presidency.

The Presidential aide also stated: “This narrative neglects the hard-fought battle that birthed our democracy and serves only to undermine the hard-won freedoms that Nigerians now enjoy.

Of responsible reportage and national development

The statement further noted that good journalism is characterised by restraint and a commitment to national interest.

The Federal Government stated that media outlets must propagate responsible reporting that contributes to an informed citizenry.

It averred that during times of political and economic crises, the media, as a force for good, should rally the public around their leaders, fostering unity and patience as reforms are introduced.

According to the Presidency,  Tinubu has consistently advocated understanding and patience amid Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

This plea is not a sign of weakness, but an affirmation of his dedication to a brighter future for Nigeria, the statement noted.

Onanuga also said: “Moreover, recent policy changes have initiated a turnaround, yielding positive economic indicators.”

Mr. Olawale Edun, Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, was equally quoted to have disclosed that the revenue-to-debt service ratio had notably declined from 97 percent in 2023 to 68 percent in 2024.

The Minister explained the

Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $39.1 billion October 22, with GDP growth achieving 2.98 percent Q1 2024—an increase from 2.31% in Q1 2023.

The government stated the growth was driven by sectors beyond oil, including the financial services sector, mining, and quarrying, marking a significant shift in our economic structure.

“We are now exporting more than we are importing, with trade surpluses recorded in two consecutive quarters.

“In the light of the positive developments, it is unacceptable for any publication, including The Guardian, to incite calls for military intervention based on transient difficulties,” said the Presidency.

It noted that a more cautious and responsible approach would have better served its readers and Nigeria.

The government further averred that Journalism—like our democracy—thrives on fairness and objectivity, and all media outlets must uphold these standards.

Onanuga said: “We encourage The Guardian and similar platforms to prioritise balanced reporting that fosters dialogue and understanding rather than division and unrest.

“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.”

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