JUST- IN: Guardian Newspaper Calls For Coup Against Tinubu? SEE Unexpected Message Presidency Sent To The Guardian
In a strongly worded press release, the Presidency has condemned an article published by The Guardian on October 25, 2024, titled ” Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices. ”
The release, posted by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, criticizes The Guardian for what it deems an inflammatory article that irresponsibly suggests military intervention in Nigeria’ s democratic system.
The article in question, accompanied by provocative visuals including an illustration of a military tank, has stirred controversy by framing the current economic challenges and public frustration as potential precursors to a call for regime change. According to the State House, this piece reflects a concerning agenda within The Guardian to provoke unrest rather than offer responsible journalism that fosters national unity.
Onanuga’ s statement calls into question The Guardian’ s approach, alleging that the publication’ s article strikes a careful yet disingenuous balance by superficially denouncing military rule while using emotive language and images that subtly advocate for it.
Unexpected Message Presidency Sent To The Guardian| image 6
” We must question how The Guardian can present an argument for military intervention while superficially denouncing it unless it harbours a deliberate agenda, ” Onanuga wrote, asserting that this undermines the essential role of journalism in protecting democracy.
The article references the difficulties Nigerians are facing due to economic challenges, linking these to calls for military intervention. However, the State House rebukes The Guardian for overlooking positive developments in Nigeria’ s economy, including significant improvements reported by government sources.
The government’ s response highlighted recent economic indicators that point to a gradual recovery and transformation. According to Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria’ s revenue- to- debt service ratio improved significantly, falling from 97% in 2023 to 68% in 2024.
Furthermore, foreign reserves rose to $39. 1 billion as of October 22, and GDP growth increased to 2. 98% in Q1 2024, up from 2. 31% in Q1 2023. These improvements, largely driven by non- oil sectors such as financial services, mining, and quarrying, mark a shift in Nigeria’ s economic base, which has begun to generate trade surpluses.
The statement emphasizes that the media should focus on these developments rather than fanning the flames of public dissatisfaction. According to the State House, President Tinubu’ s administration has been transparent in asking Nigerians for patience as these reforms take effect, underscoring that his appeal reflects commitment, not weakness.
Onanuga’ s release underlines the importance of responsible reporting, particularly in times of national difficulty, stating that journalism must not only inform but also unite and strengthen public trust in democratic governance. The State House argues that responsible media has the power to foster understanding and cooperation, encouraging a sense of shared purpose among Nigerians as they navigate this transitional period.
Watch video here
Military rule, the statement asserts, is incompatible with the aspirations of modern democracies and Nigeria’ s hard- won freedoms. Reflecting on The Guardian’ s own history, the release notes that the publication had suffered under military regimes in the past, citing instances when journalists were jailed for publishing the truth.
This historical context, it contends, should remind The Guardian of the importance of championing democratic principles. The press release closes with a call for unity and cooperation, urging The Guardian and other media outlets to avoid divisive narratives and to prioritize balanced, constructive journalism.
Onanuga reiterates that Nigeria’ s path forward relies on democratic resilience, not division. Rather than inciting unrest, the statement encourages the media to rally public support for the Tinubu- led administration’ s reforms and to help guide Nigeria toward economic stability and growth.
