I just read Senator Babafemi Ojudu’s tribute on Obe Ess. His passage was quite shocking. Obe Ess (Olaseinde Obe) was an unsung hero of the Flagship. We’ve had so many journalists celebrated for their writings and some others having political or academic appointments, but Obe Ess was consistently married to his art ad infinitum and cultivated generations of enthusiasts. I know a lot of people who bought The Guardian because of Obe Ess cartoon and the cartoon page was one of the first pages I read when I held the newspaper. And that page was also my responsibility when I was in The Guardian.

When I joined the newspaper as a Sub-Editor in 1992, Obe Ess was my daily contact. My duty was to edit the Opinion Pages which had the Op Ed and the newspaper’s Editorial. So, every day, I had to receive the cartoon from Obe Ess and editorial materials including letters to the editor from Reuben Abati for me to edit and plan the pages for production. I sometimes went to Obe Ess small office to make clarifications on the cartoon text because it was my responsibility to ensure no typo or grammar errors on all the editorial pages. He loved his cigarette and the dark coffee that blended with his dark skin. The aroma of coffee would always hug you whenever you entered his office. He spoke little, quite taciturn but friendly.

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He definitely contributed to the leadership of The Guardian because his cartoon strokes were master pieces. He used the visual art to speak truth to power, and some of the narratives that could not be written for fear of seditious or defamatory allegations, especially in the military era, found expression in his poetic license. For example, his cartoon images could call a leader or an influential person a thief or rogue without using the words “thief” or “rogue.” Nigeria has been a tragicomedy since independence, and you saw Obe Ess cartoons giving life to all the country’s absurdities in a most comical way.

He was not one that clamoured for the limelight, so he didn’t submit his cartoons for awards. Neither would you see him in social events nor grace the tabloids for any kind of event. As at that time, no ties, no jackets, no impressionist attires: It was simply shirts and trousers or casual tops. And rode about in his blue Datsun sedan.

He was one of the last titans in the Editorial cartoon world. Obe Ess!

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The Guardian newspaper’s lead story of Friday, October 25, 2024 with the title: “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices,” openly incites unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and advocates regime change under the guise of journalism. The inflammatory headline and content deviate from responsible reporting.

The Guardian’s agenda is unmistakable from the cover illustration to the article. In attempting to create a balanced veneer, the author condemns military rule while fanning the flames of military intervention.

This is evident in the introduction to the article where the newspaper wrote: “Nigerians were exhilarated with the return of democracy in 1999, but 25 years on, the buccaneering nature of politicians, their penchant for poor service delivery, morbid hatred for probity, accountability, and credible/transparent elections, among others, are forcing some flustered citizens to make extreme choices, including calling for military intervention in governance… Deep despondency permeates every facet of the polity consequent upon soaring cost of living. And while the political elite splurge on fine wines and exotic automobiles amid poor service delivery, calls for regime change could become more strident in the days ahead even though military insurrection holds no solution to the country’s woes.”

We must question how The Guardian can present an argument for military intervention while superficially denouncing it unless it harbours a deliberate agenda.

This latest editorial reflects a troubling trend in which the publication has persistently propagated inflammatory and negative narratives, stepping dangerously close to undermining the very fabric of responsible journalism.

Moreover, the lead story relies heavily upon emotive language and imagery—such as an illustration of military armoured tank—to bolster its argument while neglecting to present a balanced view.

It indulges in lampooning the current administration while ignoring positive developments in Nigeria’s economic landscape. The report lacks empirical data and fails to exhibit the journalistic rigour that the situation demands.

It appears lost on The Guardian that such narratives could embolden anarchists intent on disrupting our democratic process.

Military rule is an anachronism in modern civilisations, irrespective of its framing, due to the oppressive nature typically associated with its practice. Guided by its experience in 1984, when two of its journalists were jailed by the military regime for reporting the truth, The Guardian acknowledges that military rule is terrible.

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Yet, it attempts to provoke public ire against President Tinubu by suggesting he governs with less regard for citizens than military dictators once did.

At this time, we need our people and the media to rally around the government as the Tinubu-led administration steers our country through this challenging period to a better future.

This narrative neglects the hard-fought battle that birthed our democracy and serves only to undermine the hard-won freedoms that Nigerians now enjoy.

Good journalism is characterised by restraint and a commitment to national interest. Media outlets must propagate responsible reporting that contributes to an informed citizenry.

During times of political and economic crises, the media, as a force for good, should rally the public around their leaders, fostering unity and patience as reforms are introduced.

President Tinubu has consistently called for understanding and patience amid our nation’s challenges. This plea is not a sign of weakness but an affirmation of his dedication to a brighter future for Nigeria.

Moreover, recent policy changes have initiated a turnaround, yielding positive economic indicators.

According to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the revenue-to-debt service ratio has notably declined from 97% in 2023 to 68% in 2024.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $39.1 billion on October 22, with GDP growth achieving 2.98% in Q1 2024—an increase from 2.31% in Q1 2023.

This growth was driven by sectors beyond oil, including the financial services sector, mining, and quarrying, marking a significant shift in our economic structure.

We are now exporting more than we are importing, with trade surpluses recorded in two consecutive quarters.

In the light of the positive developments, it is unacceptable for any publication, including The Guardian, to incite calls for military intervention based on transient difficulties.

A more cautious and responsible approach would have better served its readers and the nation.

Journalism—like our democracy—thrives on fairness and objectivity, and all media outlets must uphold these standards.

We encourage The Guardian and similar platforms to prioritise balanced reporting that fosters dialogue and understanding rather than division and unrest.

At this time, we need our people and the media to rally around the government as the Tinubu-led administration steers our country through this challenging period to a better future.

The post Re: ‘Misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices’ – Open letter to The Guardian appeared first on Frontpageng.

The governor also congratulated the company’s Head of Finance, Mrs. Patience Ilesanmi, for her elevation to the position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

He described Adekoya and Ilesanmi’s appointments as deserving, considering their experience, commitment, and long years of service in Guardian Newspapers Limited.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the appointment of Adekoya was an inspiration to young journalists that they could get to the top position in Guardian Newspapers Limited if they were faithful and committed.

His words: “The appointment of Dr. Olufemi Adekoya as The Editor of The Guardian Newspaper is an inspiration to young journalists, especially the staff of Guardian Newspapers Limited that they can get to the top of their career in the company.

“Dr. Adekoya’s appointment is thoroughly deserving having proved his mettle in the journalism profession and I do not have any doubt in my mind that the cap fits him. He is a seasoned journalist and media manager with a proven track record of excellence in journalism, especially in business reporting.

“I want to urge Dr. Adekoya to bring his wealth of experience to bear in strengthening the journalism profession and also be a good gatekeeper against fake news, which is not good for our country. He should also see his new appointment as a crucial assignment for the media, especially The Guardian Newspapers to be more circumspect and developmental in playing its role as the watchdog of society.

“I also congratulate Mrs. Patience Ilesanmi on her new appointment as the Chief Finance and Operating Officer. I urge her to use her office for the growth and development of Guardian Newspapers Limited.”

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