Presidency Slams The Guardian for “Inflammatory” Headline Advocating Military Intervention
By Matthew Eloyi
The Presidency has condemned The Guardian newspaper for its October 25 lead story titled, “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices.”
In a statement on Saturday, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, criticised the report, calling it “an open incitement to unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration under the guise of journalism.”
Onanuga accused the publication of using an “inflammatory headline” and claimed it showed a clear deviation from responsible journalism.
“The Guardian’s agenda was unmistakable from the cover illustration to the article,” he stated, alleging that the newspaper “condemns military rule while fanning the flames of military intervention.”
He further highlighted specific lines from the article which, he argued, reflected a bias against the current administration.
The article read: “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.”
Onanuga questioned The Guardian’s motives, saying, “How can a publication simultaneously argue against military intervention while seemingly promoting it, unless it harbours a deliberate agenda?”
He expressed concern that the narrative could embolden those “intent on disrupting the democratic process,” stating that “military rule is an anachronism in modern civilisations due to its oppressive nature.”
The presidency’s adviser also underscored the report’s lack of balance, stating that it “relies heavily upon emotive language and imagery—such as an illustration of a military armoured tank—while neglecting to present a balanced view,” and accused the newspaper of “lampooning the current administration while ignoring positive developments in Nigeria’s economic landscape.”
Onanuga warned that such narratives undermine the struggles that secured Nigeria’s democracy and diminish the freedoms citizens now enjoy.
“Good journalism is characterised by restraint and a commitment to national interest,” he said, urging media outlets to practice “responsible reporting” during challenging times.
Onanuga further defended Tinubu’s administration, citing recent improvements in economic indicators.
“The revenue-to-debt service ratio has notably declined from 97 percent in 2023 to 68 percent in 2024,” he noted, adding that Nigeria’s foreign reserves reached $39.1 billion on October 22, with GDP growth rising from 2.31 percent in Q1 2023 to 2.98 percent in Q1 2024.
Asserting the importance of unity and support, Onanuga called on the media and citizens alike to rally around the administration as it works through economic reforms.
“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 toward a better future,” he concluded.
