Politics

Military Urges Media to Cease Coverage of Nationwide Protests

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 3rd, 2024.

Military Urges Media to Cease Coverage of Nationwide Protests

The Nigerian military has requested both local and international media outlets to halt their coverage of the ongoing nationwide protests, which have arisen due to increased economic difficulties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa made this appeal for a media blackout during a press briefing on Friday. He stated, “I observed that media stations have been extensively covering these protests. This is not an election. I urge you not to provide them with this coverage.”

Musa suggested that many protesters are merely seeking media attention. “Some of these individuals are trying to gain visibility on screen. Rest assured, we will overcome this,” he asserted.

This call for a media blackout coincides with the second day of protests that have significantly disrupted commercial activities nationwide. The demonstrations have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets in response to escalating living costs.

Reports from both local and international media have highlighted the protests’ impact, with issues such as poor telecom network coverage complicating information dissemination. On Thursday, the Peoples Gazette reported that both the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Security Agency (NSA) were allegedly slowing down internet speeds to hinder the flow of information from protesters to the public and the international community.

The protests have already resulted in at least 11 fatalities on their first day. The military’s request echoes similar measures taken during the EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020, when electricity and telecom services were cut off before soldiers intervened with live ammunition at the Lekki Toll Gate.