Richard Akinola replies CDS Musa over call for media blackout on protests
*Says, 'Don't drag military into politics'
By KEMI KASUMU
The recent comment by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urging media in the country not to cover or publicise the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest has attracted a reactions.
Director, Media Law Centre, Mr. Richard Akinola, made the reaction via his verified Facebook social media network on Monday August 5, 2024.
Akinola, a veteran journalist and activist, replied the General telling him that he lacks the right to tell the media, which is a self-regulated profession with its rights guaranteed by the Constitution, not to cover protests.
He said, “Dear General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, with due respect, you have no locus standi telling the Media not to cover protests.
“Even wars all over the world are covered by journalists, including by our own Aremo Segun Osoba, who covered the Nigerian civil war for Daily Times.
“So, you have no right to tell the media not to give coverage to protesters.”
Akinola, also a notable author, could not understand the intention of the General, who is more a professional soldier, to take side with the political class against the evidently maltreated Nigerians on the matter.
“Secondly, and this is quite unfortunate, you are a soldier, not a political office holder in the presidency. It is therefore a misnomer for you to veer out of your duties and be telling Nigerians that president Tinubu has just spent one year in office and could not have been expected to solve all our economic problems within one year.
“Please General, don’t drag the military into politics. That your statement is outside the purview of your responsibility as Chief of Defence Staff. That is the responsibility of presidential spokesmen and politicians.
“You have no business with politics. When you drop your uniform, which you would surely do one day, you can throw your hat into the political ring. No problem. But as long as you are wearing the military uniform, please steer clear of political talks and face your duty of securing the nation. Thank you,” he said.
