The Presidency has warned against calls from the media for a military takeover, calling it harmful and unnecessary.
This reaction came after The Guardian published an article suggesting that Nigeria’s current hardships could lead some to prefer military rule.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy said these calls misjudge Nigeria’s temporary struggles and ignore progress from recent policies.
Onanuga criticized the publication for focusing too much on the challenges Nigerians are facing, without mentioning recent improvements like a better debt-to-revenue ratio and higher foreign reserves.
He felt the article used emotional language that could stir up public frustration rather than present a balanced view.
The references to past military rule, he argued, made the current government seem similar to past dictatorships, which could mislead the public about ongoing progress.
The Presidency urged media outlets to promote unity and patience, encouraging fair reporting that presents both sides of the story.
Tinubu’s administration believes that Nigeria is on a path toward recovery, with signs of improvement in non-oil sectors and trade.
Instead of feeding public frustration, the Presidency stressed that journalists should help guide Nigerians through this difficult time by reporting in a way that supports stability and builds trust in the country’s leadership.
