Buhari Is Not Hindering Press Freedom In Nigeria – Femi Adesina

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina has reacted to a Punch editorial that described Buhari as a draconian leader and dictator. In the article, Punch blasted the president’s several human rights violations, incompetent security operatives and detention of journalists. Their words, “Buhari can still redeem himself and his out-of-control security agents and reclaim his past facade of tolerance,” “The regime’s repression cannot succeed but will further polarise the society and weaken national cohesion. “The Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to defend the sanctity of judicial authority, while Soyinka has warned that disregard for court orders could beget desperation and civil disobedience. Nigerians need to stop their supine acquiescence to oppression and learn to stand up for their rights as many are doing around the world, using all peaceful and legal means, including the right to protest and of peaceful assembly. It is Dasuki, el-Zakzakky, Sowore and others today, who knows who is next if repression is not resisted?” “As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression, PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, PUNCH Sports Extra, and digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.” Reacting, Femi Adesina said Buhari is not hindering press freedom in the country, which is why they can call him whatever name they like. His words, “If you decide to call him Major General, he wasn’t dashed the rank, he earned it. So, you are not completely out of order. The fact that you can do so is even another testimony to press freedom in Nigeria.”