In a strong response to recent allegations from the Nigerian presidency, The Guardian newspaper has refuted claims that its reporting incites Nigerians toward regime change. The presidency, through Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, accused The Guardian of stirring public dissent in a recent article titled Misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices. However, The Guardian maintains that its reporting was factual, balanced, and committed to upholding the principles of responsible journalism.
In response to the report, the presidency alleged that The Guardian’s article was inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Onanuga suggested that the publication was promoting unrest by highlighting the hardships experienced by Nigerians and implying dissatisfaction with the government.
The Guardian swiftly responded with a detailed statement, rejecting the presidency’s claims as baseless and unfounded. The paper explained that the article in question was a balanced, well researched analysis of Nigeria’s civilian governance from inception to the present day, with a particular focus on the current state of affairs.
According to The Guardian, the report sought to capture the concerns of Nigerians from all walks of life, reflecting the challenges they face with the hope that the government would take necessary steps to address these issues. The Guardian emphasized that the publication neither endorsed nor suggested any form of unconstitutional regime change, as alleged by the presidency.
For over 40 years, The Guardian has been a pillar of intellectual rigor, objective journalism, and advocacy for democracy in Nigeria. The newspaper underscored its commitment to promoting justice, fairness, and accountability, principles it has upheld since its inception.
The Guardian’s statement also noted that, as an organization, it has a long history of standing against autocratic and oppressive regimes, and therefore would never support a return to military rule or any undemocratic governance. It recounted its own struggles during military rule in Nigeria, including the unlawful detention of its journalists, arson attempts, and even an assassination attempt on its founding publisher.
The Guardian highlighted that its recent report was intended to deter Nigerians, particularly the youth, from seeing military rule or unconstitutional interventions as solutions to national problems. By shedding light on the current democratic system's strengths and weaknesses, the publication sought to encourage reforms and improvements within the framework of civilian governance.
The Guardian’s statement reiterated the newspaper’s dedication to Nigeria’s democratic process and its belief that the country’s progress depends on a stable civilian government committed to the people’s welfare and security. According to The Guardian, this aligns with its obligation under Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the press to uphold accountability in governance.
In its statement, The Guardian emphasized the crucial role of the press in a democratic society. The press, as a watchdog of society, should be free to critique, question, and hold the government accountable without facing intimidation or interference. The Guardian asserted that press freedom, which includes the right to hold opinions and disseminate information, is a constitutionally protected right that every political officeholder, including the president, is sworn to protect.
The Guardian concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance, national prosperity, and social justice for all Nigerians. The publication remains steadfast in advocating for an economy that prioritizes the welfare and happiness of every citizen through equal opportunities and social justice.
The Guardian’s response underscores its dedication to democracy, responsible journalism, and the role of the press in advocating for the public’s interest. By challenging the presidency’s allegations and clarifying its intent, The Guardian reinforces its stance as a champion of truth and objectivity. As it continues to monitor governance and report on national affairs, The Guardian calls for mutual respect between the government and the press in ensuring transparency, accountability, and a flourishing democratic society for Nigeria.