Presidency Faults The Guardian’s Report On Hardship, Says It’s Assault on Democracy

The Presidency has condemned The Guardian newspaper for Friday’s front-page article, describing the publication’s stance on military intervention as “an assault on democracy.”

The article, published on October 25, carried the headline; “Calls for Military Intervention: Misery, Harsh Policies Driving Nigerians to Desperate Choices,” which officials said fueled dangerous sentiments against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said The Guardian’s piece strayed into territory that jeopardises the country’s democratic foundation.

He argued that the article, while acknowledging the country’s challenges, appeared to promote unrest under the guise of balanced reporting, potentially inciting regime change sentiments among frustrated citizens.

“This latest editorial reflects a disturbing departure from responsible journalism. At a time when our nation is making steady economic progress amid significant challenges, it is unacceptable for any publication to incite public discontent in a manner that undermines our hard-won democracy,” he said.

The Guardian’s article, which cited frustration over economic difficulties and poor service delivery, suggested that some Nigerians, disillusioned with the political class, had begun to consider military intervention as a solution.

The newspaper featured an illustration of a military armored tank alongside the piece, which the Presidency criticised as “deliberately provocative.”

According to Onanuga, the publication’s narrative dangerously glossed over recent economic improvements under Tinubu’s administration.