The Nigerian military has called on both international and local media to halt coverage of the nationwide protests sparked by worsening economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During a press briefing on Friday, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa urged media outlets to stop broadcasting the protests. “For the media, I want to appeal—I noticed yesterday all the stations are hooked up to the occasion. This is not an election. Don’t give them that coverage,” Musa stated.
He argued that many protesters are seeking media attention, saying, “Some of them (protesters) are looking for moments to be on the screen. Together, I can assure you we are going to win.”
The call for a media blackout comes amid the second day of demonstrations that have disrupted business activities nationwide. Local and international media have been reporting on the protests, which have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets over the escalating cost of living crisis.
On Thursday, Peoples Gazette highlighted how poor telecom network coverage hindered information dissemination as protesters marched. Sources from telecom companies told The Gazette that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Security Agency (NSA) were deliberately slowing down internet speeds to curb the flow of information from the protests.
At least 11 people were reported killed on the first day of the nationwide protests due to severe economic hardships.
Musa’s call for a media blackout is reminiscent of actions taken during the EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020, when electricity and telecom networks were cut at the Lekki Toll Gate before soldiers fired live rounds at protesters.
