Kelechi Amakoh writes on the decision of Nigeria’s leading newspaper, The Punch to revert to the military dictator rank (“Major General”) of President Muhammadu Buhari in protest against human rights abuses in the country.
Today’s editorial in The Punch newspaper, “Buhari’s lawlessness: Our stand” is commendable. The medium has finally taken a stand against the Gestapo actions witnessed in the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. The decision to point out the ongoing ills in this administration should send clear signals to other media organizations in the country. As media professionals, we owe Nigerians a duty. We must not fail in this responsibility. Not at this time.
As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is expected to be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people. This role of the media as enshrined in chapter 2, section 22 of the 1999 constitution has been lacking the required bite with regards to the Buhari-led administration. The docility of the media to speak truth to power has allowed the flagrant attitude of the government to fester without control.
The Punch newspaper has taken the lead. The editorial team of the organization must be commended for standing up when it mattered the most. This decision to stand against the government will come with its hit back. The government will not take it lying low and might want to defend themselves by ‘any’ means. With the immediate response of the President’s media aide, Femi Adesina, the government misses the point.
The decision of The Punch to revert to the military dictator rank (“Major General”) of Buhari shows the untoward attitude of the administration since coming to power. This title was a stumbling block during Buhari’s campaign days and his campaign team strove to erase this bad public perception during the presidential campaign in 2014. It was successful but five years down the line, the title resurfaces. This calls for sober reflection within the presidency and not a testimony to press freedom in Nigeria.
For other media organizations, this is the period to stand with The Punch. As the watchdog of the Nigerian society, it is necessary for media organizations to point out the issues faced by Nigerians under this current administration. Enough of this wanton docility and self-defeating attitude of the media.
The media’s role in a democratic society cannot be undermined. Given the numerous disobedience of court orders, abuse of human rights and the gruelling economic situation faced by Nigerians, the media must be courageous to join The Punch in calling for an end to these. Last Friday’s show of shame in the hallowed court of Abuja was despicable and uncalled for. This portrays Nigeria in the bad light on the international stage.
With the editorial, Buhari and his administration need to have a rethink of what Nigerians will remember them for by 2023. He begged, canvassed and called out the ills of the previous government from 2003 to January 2015. Nigerians finally gave him a chance on May 29, 2015, to lead them out of the troubles then. They renewed his mandate this year for another four years. These are reasons for Buhari to show Nigerians he truly cares and respects the people he leads. He needs to be reminded of these.
The president’s statement on Friday, November 22, at the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress shows that he is forgetting something. He noted: “I know I am in my last term and I can afford to be reckless because I am not going to ask for anybody’s vote.”
No, Mr President. You cannot afford to be reckless. Remember those who stood up and voted you. For posterity sake, Buhari must avoid championing this “reckless” agenda ongoing in this administration. As the president currently attends the Aswan Forum in Egypt, his aides should create time for him to read The Punch’s editorial. He needs to personally read and reflect on his actions, inactions and silence. Silence is not always golden.