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The Dangers of Censorship: Nigeria’s Struggle for Genuine Democracy

When you read The Guardian editorial that recently drew presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga’s ire, it’s hard not to question his intense reaction.

For a presidency that largely rode to power on media messaging, they seem particularly hypersensitive to any unflattering coverage.

Even before taking office, Onanuga had already set the stage, pressuring regulatory agencies against news outlets that didn’t align with their narrative.

A prime example was the N5 million fine imposed by NBC on Channels Television, spurred by the administration’s influence. If not for the court’s intervention, the NBC would likely continue executing similar orders on behalf of the government.

More recently, they threatened to sue Daily Trust. And now, Onanuga is targeting The Guardian and that’s not even including his various outbursts on social media.

It’s quite the contradiction for a former journalist, showing a remarkable zeal for patrolling media spaces, both old and new, on his principal’s behalf. One can only wish him luck on this crusade.

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After reading through The Guardian piece more than once, I found myself searching for what, if anything, could justify Onanuga’s claim that it was openly inciting unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and advocating regime change. There was simply no such message.

If he was responding to something other than the actual article, his overreaction seems like the classic old man who grows uncomfortable whenever dry bones are mentioned.

The administration must understand that Nigerians don’t need a newspaper editorial to become disillusioned with a government that has worsened their living conditions and offers little comfort beyond the recycled promises they endured during eight years of Buhari.

If officials believe unrest will be incited by editorials rather than lived experiences, they’re missing the point entirely.

For instance, while I was revising this piece, fuel prices rose by another N27 to N30. That increase might seem small on paper, but its cumulative impact will only further weaken purchasing power, adding yet another burden to already strained households.

As lives become increasingly unstable under the pressures of Tinubu’s policies, it’s evident that print journalism’s role is merely to report on a reality that has already taken shape.

Newspapers aren’t the spark of revolt; at best, they analyze what’s unfolding, offering insights that social media and 24-hour commentary may overlook.

The Guardian article rightly noted that some Nigerians are beginning to view the idea of military rule with a kind of misguided nostalgia, rooted in hardship. I agree.

Nigerians’ frustration is a response to the daily challenges of living under an administration that, from the safe confines of the villa, issues reform after reform without grasping the real toll on people’s lives.

Twenty-five years on, it’s not surprising that some might look back and think military rule was more stable. The passage of time has dimmed the painful memories of military oppression, leaving only the perception of efficiency.

And while they’re rolling out expensive reforms without transparent planning, the administration struggles to justify their policies to the public, offering only vague projections and future promises.

For many Nigerians, living under Tinubu’s government has disturbing parallels to life under Sani Abacha only now, with social media.

Violations of human rights are well documented, from the police operating under high-level orders to officials who act as if democracy means unrestricted power.

Add to that the rapid impoverishment millions have experienced in such a short span, and it’s no surprise that comparisons between the Tinubu administration and military rule keep surfacing.

Few believe the military would be a real solution, given its struggle to manage its own budget and ongoing battles with terrorism and banditry. But that does little to curb the nostalgia some feel.

They’ve watched democracy’s promise of accountability deteriorate into something that feels more like a one-party state, with no effective checks and balances. Leaders are practically free to act as they please, and they’ve eagerly taken advantage of this lack of oversight. Nigeria is a democracy in form, yet that ideal remains hollow.

In a country where democratic spirit has been drained, people are left wondering if peaceful change is even possible.

Onanuga may dismiss these sentiments as mere tribalism, but the truth is that the government’s own inadequacies have contributed to a longing for a change, even if misguided, that reflects the harsh realities of daily life more than any editorial ever could.

For balance, Onanuga tried to cite “positive developments” under Tinubu’s leadership. If he’s so confident, perhaps he should visit local markets and try explaining these so-called improvements to Nigerians struggling with food prices.

It would be wise to bring his hearse along for the journey

The escalating tensions between the Nigerian government and the media underscore a significant crisis in the country’s democratic framework. Bayo Onanuga’s attempts to silence dissent through threats and regulatory measures not only fail to address the genuine concerns of the populace but also highlight a troubling trend of authoritarianism disguised as governance.

As citizens endure rising hardship and feel increasingly alienated from their leaders, the nostalgia for military rule, however misguided reflects a profound disillusionment with the current state of democracy.

To restore trust and legitimacy, the Tinubu administration must prioritize dialogue over repression, embracing a media landscape that can constructively critique and contribute to national discourse.

Without such an approach, the path to genuine reform will remain elusive, and the specter of unrest will continue to loom over Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

Written by; Elvis Ogboi                                        Entrepreneur, Researcher and News blogger  email:elvis.rapidospace@gmail.com

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