By Kolawole Ojebisi
The management of The Guardian Newspapers has expressed disappointment over What it called deliberate distortion, by the presidency, of its cover story, captioned ’Misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices”, which was published on Friday, October, 25, 2024.
The newspaper’s management described allegations leveled against it by the presidency that it was working for a forceful regime change as baseless and unfounded.
This is coming as a response to a statement issued on behalf of the Presidency by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, warning that The Guardian’s lead story was an incitement of Nigerians against the Tinubu administration and a subtle call for a military takeover.
The paper while faulting Onanuga’s statement declared that the report was a balanced one that detailed the civilian administration in the country from inception without reflection of hatred or incitement.
The Guardian Newspaper’s statement issued on Sunday reads partly: “We are most surprised by this grave allegation and hereby reject the Special Adviser’s assertion which is a patent misrepresentation of the newspaper’s report.
“Contrary to the assertion contained in the press statement, the story is a factually balanced, dispassionate, well-researched and intensive report chronicling Nigeria’s civilian administration from inception to the current state of affairs, without any atom of hateful or inciting elements, remarks, innuendoes, and or connotations against the national and sub-national governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The publication simply aggregated the concerns of Nigerians across all classes on the troubling state of the nation with the expectation that the government will take the necessary steps to address the challenges. There is nothing in the report that advocates, propagates, endorses or suggests a military overthrow of the current government, as suggested by the Special Adviser”.
The statement continued: “The Guardian, has for more than 40 (forty) years proactively demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the promotion of intellectual excellence, balanced coverage of events, consistently upholding the interests of justice, equity, fair play, the rule of law, pursuing integrity in public life, advancing the best interests of professional ethics and responsible journalism, in Nigeria, Africa and globally, anchored upon principles of Truth, Accuracy, Objectivity, and Accountability.
“The Guardian is strongly committed to the principles of federalism, democracy, rule of law; and holds the seat of government in high esteem. Conversely, it vehemently stands against all forms of coercive government such as military dictatorship, autocracy or any form of misrule. The Guardian will not do, or incite others to do, anything capable of undermining the extant hard-earned civilian dispensation that it fought vigorously for.
“As Mr Onanuga rightly acknowledged, The Guardian has had its fair share of adversity from oppressive and suppressive military rule; ranging from the unlawful detention and imprisonment of its journalists, arson attempt on its premises, and assassination attempt on its founding publisher; hence, it abhors any militarised system of governance.
“Simply put, the publication in contention is a reproduction of Nigerians’ scorecard of the nation’s democratic experiment so far with a two-pronged intent of charging the government to rise to its constitutional twin responsibility of security and welfare of the people.
“Besides, the contextual reporting seeks to deter Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, from seeking military or any other unconstitutional intervention. The Guardian, in the publication, clearly extolled civilian government and denounced the military regime as an antidote or solution to the prevailing national problems as many young Nigerians erroneously believe”.
Calling for an unbiased review of the publication, the newspaper noted that such would reveal that The Guardian acted in utmost good faith and for the common good.
It explained that its action was “purely driven by patriotic and nationalistic considerations without any ulterior or malicious intent against the Nigerian governments, whether past or present, as alleged.
“More important, the publication was made in fulfillment of The Guardian’s obligation (to the country) as imposed by Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Guardian story is therefore inspired by this presidential declaration, among others, and, ironically, the presidency appears not to consider it in the light of prompting the government to meet the needs and aspirations of the people, as promised.
“Globally, the press is the watchdog of society and hence should be allowed by governments at all levels, including the current administration, to play this role of monitoring governance and holding government to account without any form of inhibition.
“Freedom of the press to hold opinions and disseminate information without interference is a constitutionally guaranteed right which all political officeholders, including the President, swore to uphold, protect, preserve and defend.
“The Guardian is unapologetically pro-good governance and will continue to advocate national prosperity, an efficient self-reliant economy; and welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen based on social justice and equal opportunity.”
